Working together with one mind and purpose ...
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. -Philippians 2:1-2 NLT
The words that Paul first speaks in these verse are "together" ones. One cannot receive encouragement or comfort from Christ apart from another person. When he speaks of fellowship together in the Spirit Paul is accenting the word together. And, apart from being together there would be no need for tenderness or compassion. In truth, the best that we ever have to offer can only be accomplished when we are together with another person.
Paul speaks as a spiritual father when he tells his readers that he wants them to make him happy. I sense that these are the things that make our heavenly father happy as well - we bring a smile to the face of God when we are working together with one mind and purpose. Even so, it sometimes seems to be such a struggle to find common purpose when working with folks who go to a different church. Perhaps it is in those times that we need to love the most?
Help us to see past our minor theological differences Lord. Teach us to love each other and work together.
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