WEEK 36 – DAY 1

ONE IN THE SPIRIT

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels of mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2

Paul’s desire was that the Philippians would be unified in love and purpose. This echoes Christ’s desire as he prayed for believers saying, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (John 17:21-23).

We sing “We are one in the Spirit,” but do we practice it? God’s Spirit will unite us if we draw near to Him. In order to be one in love, spirit, and purpose, we must each be in fellowship with the Spirit of God. Then the type of love that can come only from the divine influence in our lives (grace-charis G5485) will enable us to be like-minded. We can only be one in Spirit if we are each abiding in Christ (John 15). When we become more closely associated with Christ and become intimate with Him, it follows that we will be closer to other Christians, our brothers and sisters in the “familyship” of believers.

Father, Christ prayed that we would be one with You and then with each other. That is our prayer as well. Help us to stand united in our faith and love through the power of your Holy Spirit. Let our love for each other be a witness to the world. Help us to forgive as we have been forgiven and love through the power of Your grace.