To unlock the door to unity we need heed the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 2:1-2.
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. (Phil. 2:1-2, NASB)
We already looked at the first key, based on the “if” phrases, that of functioning from our position in Christ. Here we take the challenge to embrace the “consolation of love” (Phil. 2:1).
To Experience Unity We Must Learn to Truly Love One Another
If we are going to remain united through the failings of one another and strong differences of opinions, we need unconditional love. That’s a love that perseveres, that will not fail. It’s a love that responds with patience and kindness, not anger. That kind of love isn’t self-seeking but rather seeks to honor others. It let’s go of pride and forgives.
This unconditional love, described in 1 Corinthians 13, comes from God. Human love, that which we muster up within ourselves, is insufficient for us to remain united. Only God’s love will enable us to break through the walls and address the feelings of one another without attacking the person. If we’re going to love each other this way, we need to “know and rely on the love God has for us” (1 Jn. 4:16). We can only love because He first loved us (1 Jn. 4:19).
Loving One Another Unconditionally Leads to Comfort
Paul referred to experiencing unity “if there is any consolation of love” (Phil. 2:1). Another word for consolation, comfort, may help us understand this result of loving one another. Love let’s us know that it will be alright, that we’ll still be loved and accepted. We’ll still belong. We’ll be forgiven. That’s comforting.
Having such assurance tends to motivate. It’s worth the risk because it takes the fear out of being “united in spirit, intent on one purpose” (Phil. 2:2). — “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 Jn. 4:18)
Make your purpose as a Church to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37-40). Then you will unlock the door to unity.