Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if 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.
When we want to resolve a conflict, sincerity is one of the main things we look for. Even when someone says all the right words for an apology, the issue feels unresolved is those words don’t seem genuine. We can sense this from the person’s body language, conversation, and overall comfort in the situation. The longer an issue remains unresolved, the more difficult interactions with that person become.
In Christ, our unity runs deeper than the surface level; it’s more than having similar opinions about specific subjects, thinking alike, or having similar interests. True unity in Christ changes how we relate with others on every level—mind, heart, soul, and motivation. Because of Him, we can be authentic in our relationships, even exposing our hurt and shame so we can carry these burdens for one another.
On our own, we can’t have deep relationships that are truly unified at the heart level. We can find common ground or even have good conversation, but only through Christ can we have unity in good and tough times. Even when we encounter conflict, Jesus can heal the deepest wounds and be our reconciliation. We glorify God and experience His joy when we relate to on another this way. Our unity, authenticity, and love for one another is a testimony to the world about the God who brings us together and makes these authentic relationships possible. It is easy to get irritated, stay mad, and shut people out, but if Christ has truly changed us, we are called to relate to others in a new way. May we allow Him to shape our relationships, unifying us with other believers.
- Consider someone you have a difficult relationship with right now. Have you allowed Christ to shape that relationship? Explain.
- Why is it hard to be of the same mind with others? What are some ways we can stay unified?
- Pray for unity in the universal church—God’s people all around the world.
