One

​A hallmark of the body of Christ is being one as the people of God.  This oneness permeates all that we believe and all that we are in identity.  Harmony among the children of God in Christ should be our desire and goal as we live in this broken world with its many disappointments and challenges. The church is our family, we are related through the blood of Jesus and remember that we are on equal footing when it comes to our salvation in Him (Galatians 3:27-28).
     The church is precious to Jesus because He shed His blood for it (Acts 20:28).  We must careful not to disrupt the unity that exists in this blood-purchased body among brothers and sisters in Christ.  To be guilty of causing division is a most serious charge (Proverbs 6:19; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13). 

"Division is clearly branded a sin in Galatians 5:19-21. Of the fifteen items listed "works of the flesh," eight have to do with those things that create disharmony or describe division among people: enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy. People are following the flesh and not the Spirit if they allow nationality, color, social status, cultural mores, economic and political doctrines; educational attainments, or personality differences to keep them apart. Brotherhood is based on having the same divine Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:13) (Everett Ferguson, The Church of Christ (400-401).

What does this mean?

• It means that the unity of the church is more important than me getting my way or yours. 
• It means that the unity of the church always comes ahead of my personal or political agenda. 
• It means that the unity of the church comes before my feelings. 
• It is my responsibility to walk in love toward my brethren and it is my duty to work for unity in the church.
• We are to give each other the benefit of the doubt: this is biblical (1 Corinthians 13:7).
• Do not be unkind or harsh towards one another.
• Make it a goal to build up (edify).
• Treat one another with genuine respect.
• Love one another “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:14-15).

 
Steve Miller