DAY 2
Unity

DEVOTIONAL

by Victoriana Odunjo

Paul was passionate about the church being a community characterised by unity within significant diversity. He viewed this as a wonderful demonstration of the power of the gospel. He writes, ‘May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.’ Romans 15:5-7.

Over many years, we have been blessed by a tremendous sense of unity within the church family at KingsGate. This is something we need to regularly celebrate, not least right now when the church is growing fast, both in numbers and in diversity. How wonderful to be part of this intergenerational, multi-cultural church family across our four campuses!

However, this is also something we should never take for granted. Remember that Paul was writing to a very diverse group of people from various backgrounds – economically, ethnically, religiously, socially, and so on – with a very real potential for division and strife. Therefore, Paul calls the church to ‘make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.’ Romans 14:19. Here, Paul urges us to pursue actions that build up one another, fostering harmony and understanding, as well as humility, patience, and a willingness to prioritise the well-being of others over our personal preferences.

To underline this call to unity, Paul uses the image of the church as being like a body. Paul writes, ‘For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.’ Romans 12:4-5. This is a key passage that highlights our interconnectedness as believers, each with unique roles but all essential to the health and functioning of this local church. In a very real sense, just like your hand needs your arm to function well, we need each other!

Furthermore, Paul teaches that our unity can only be maintained when it is rooted in love. ‘Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.’ Romans 13:8. This love is the glue that binds us together, fulfilling God's commandments and creating a community that reflects His character. By loving one another, we will increasingly display the reality of God's kingdom to our cities and beyond.