Dear friend,
"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity" (Psalm 133:1).
Every Christian church is blessed when members are unified. Likewise, division among church members is notorious for the damage it has done to the cause of Christ. Our awareness of these truths makes us eager to stand in unity. As we work toward that goal, it is helpful to remember the wise words of an ancient pastor, Ignatius of Antioch.
As he faced execution for his faith in Jesus, Ignatius wrote seven personal and poignant letters to churches and their leaders. He was concerned about division and strife among people in the churches. In these letters, he reminded his friends that "the unity of the church is not due to the harmony and good feelings of Christians among themselves, but the presence of Jesus Christ Himself in the church."* Just as immortality is a result of faith in Christ, unity also comes when men, women, and children place their trust in Him!
Every Christian is in Christ and Christ is in every Christian (John 17:21). It is the presence of Jesus in our hearts that makes us one! If we want to experience greater unity, then we must pray for the presence of of the Lord in our midst. He will hold us together!
Your friend,
Stephen
* See The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp of Smyrna
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