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This is the answer!

A major problem in the Body of Christ happens to be divisions. We are divided  denominationally, philosophically, and even in terms of what we believe the Bible says about current issues. We identify with this church, with that movement, with this preacher, etc. This is not new. In Paul’s day, he criticized the Corinthian church. Note what he said in 1 Corinthians 3:3-4: “for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?” Many in the church had degenerated to the place where it was more important to stand with “this side” or “that side.” In Christ, there is only one side, and that is that we are one body, and that we are called to love one another and work together as His Body. Hate has no place in Christ’s body. That would be similar to cancer in a human body. Paul went on to say in verse 9: “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.” Brethren, we are called to walk in love. This is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Reject sectarianism. Embrace the unity of the Spirit. Love the Brethren like Christ loves us. So many issues and problems would vanish if we did so. Selah!

John 13:35 “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

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How do you show your love?

I love you! We hear this phrase in so many settings. I can love my spouse. I can love my car. I can love my dog. Is it all the same thing? In its purest form, love is an overwhelming feeling, and a solid commitment. True love is not just a statement. As an example, when a singer comes to town and sings before a live audience, they might say to the audience, “I love you all.” But in reality, they don’t even know the majority of people that are there. It’s just a nice thing to say. True love is different. In John 13: 34-35, Jesus gave the disciples “a new commandment.” The commandment was “to love one another, as He had loved them.” That takes love to another level. Jesus loved so much that He died for us all. Jesus left His glory to deliver us from sin and destruction. In Ephesians 5: 25 – 27 describes how Jesus sanctifies and cleanses us with His word. He will present us spotless before the Father in that precious day. That is true love. The question then is: Are we loving each other as Jesus loved us? Are we speaking words that cleanse and encourage each other? Are we dying to self so that others can live? Are we protecting each other, or are we backbiting and gossiping against one another? Are we bringing people closer to God with our lives, or are we pushing them away? Something to ponder  today.

John 13: 34-35: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”