Unity & the Pursuit of Love
No Small Matter
Unity within a church is no small matter. It’s why Paul starts there with the Corinthians in their slew of problems (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). It’s why Paul returns there in his drawn out illustration of the body (1 Corinthians 12:24-26). The significance of unity is emphasized in the warnings and admonitions as well. Some of the strongest denunciations are reserved for divisive people (Romans 16:17, Titus 3:10, Jude 19). And it was one of the sweetest parts of Westview’s story that I love to share. Amidst all the turmoil and fracturing churches were experiencing in 2020, the Lord gave us a oneness of mind in what he called us to.
I have been mulling on the significance of unity as we have been going over Paul’s teaching regarding spiritual things in 1 Corinthians 12-14. The central exhortation flowing out of the rebuke of 1 Corinthians 13 and to guide the proper use of prophecy and tongues is, “Pursue love” (1 Corinthians 14:1). It’s simple but hard. Unity need not be called for if only we consistently pursued loved. But gifts and convictions are fertile soil for envy and rivalries. That’s why Paul needed to plainly state the command.
I have been mulling on the significance of unity as we have been going over Paul’s teaching regarding spiritual things in 1 Corinthians 12-14. The central exhortation flowing out of the rebuke of 1 Corinthians 13 and to guide the proper use of prophecy and tongues is, “Pursue love” (1 Corinthians 14:1). It’s simple but hard. Unity need not be called for if only we consistently pursued loved. But gifts and convictions are fertile soil for envy and rivalries. That’s why Paul needed to plainly state the command.
Prayerfulness Drives Out Strife
Two things help us in making strides in our pursuit of love. Consider first Bonhoeffer’s observation in Life Together, “I can no longer condemn or hate a brother for whom I pray, no matter how much trouble he causes me." If I am inclined towards division with a brother or sister, if envy or bitterness rises in my heart, there’s a good chance that I do not pray often for that person. Prayerfulness drives out strife. Pursue love and strive for the unity of the church by resolving to pray all the more for that person who gets under your skin.
The Gospel Forms a Culture
A second thing to consider is the application of the gospel to our church relationships. If we have our standing in the gospel, that message of the work of Christ by which we are being saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-2), the culture of our church ought not be one of division but of gracious unity, of love. When one member sins against another—it is inevitable—the response should not be to clam up in spite. In going to your brother or sister to address that sin, should the expectation not be to be met with grace? If God’s grace toward us individually is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:10), then his grace will neither be in vain toward us collectively. And divisions will be nipped in the bud. Love will be pursued.
Don’t fall for the false categorization that unity means uniformity. If we’re all the same and think the same, there’s no room for love. There has to be some distinction for the selfless consideration of others to be made manifest. And it is that unity absent of uniformity that displays Christ and the gospel as truly beautiful.
Don’t fall for the false categorization that unity means uniformity. If we’re all the same and think the same, there’s no room for love. There has to be some distinction for the selfless consideration of others to be made manifest. And it is that unity absent of uniformity that displays Christ and the gospel as truly beautiful.