- The Fruit of Unity
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. – 1 Peter 3:8
What do you think of when you consider “unity of mind” from today’s verse? Does it conjure up images of compromise to be in agreement? Or perhaps an assimilation into the Borg, from a popular science fiction series? Regardless of how daunting or complex God’s instructions may seem to the human mind, He routinely takes what appears impossible and, by the Holy Spirit, makes it simple, particularly to those eager to follow Christ.
Peter calls Christians to be of a unified mind, presenting themselves as a testimony to Christ’s power for the world to see. Unity of any kind has been a challenge throughout history, but it may seem especially challenging these days. Sadly, you may even notice divisions separating faithful people in your church. How will believers unify in a way that causes a lost world to notice?
The poet Emerson said, “God is unity, but always works in variety.” Being of a unified mind with your fellow believers does not mean you will think the same or make the same choices. Though God’s voice may lead two people in distinctly different directions, based on their personal journey in life, His guidance will always be accompanied by the characteristics of His personality. Those who follow the Lord reflect His love for the world through their consideration of others, kindness in disagreement, and most importantly, humility in thought and action.
Are you praying for unity in the United States? Beyond simple agreement among adversaries, pray for the Lord to draw the hearts of those in authority to change the way disagreements are navigated. Intercede for members of Congress and the Senate to be of a humble mind, submitting their offices and decisions first to God, then to the benefit of others. Pray for your pastor and members of your faith community to bear a testimony of unity – first in Christ, then with each other – so observers recognize the miracle of God’s love in action.
Today’s Verse: 1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Philippians 2:2-11
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
