Strength in Unity

 

When I sit and reflect on where we are the strongest, and conversely where we are attacked the most, relationships come to mind. When sin entered via Adam and Eve, their relationship with God was hurt, as well as their own relationship (Adam blaming Eve). There are numerous passages of scripture teaching us the importance of fellowship, fighting for unity and not forsaking meeting together. We aren't meant to be alone. Just like the powerful impact His Holy Spirit has on us when we are in His presence, there's importance in our presence and all of us coming together. When we follow Christ we have His Spirit within us and His spirit touches others in our presence. We are designed by God to edify, encourage, and remind one another of who our Father is, what He is capable of and who we are in Him! Sometimes we are giving and sometimes we are receiving. 

I'm continually in awe of His intricate and beautiful design. We are hurt through relationships but we are also healed through them as God works in and through us. As our relationships heal, so does our view and relationship with Him and our understanding of our own identity in who He designed us to be. In my life, I've found that these working pieces don't operate liner or in a particular order. His hand and healing was beyond my comprehension and the more I chose to say yes and follow Him obediently in places that were difficult, scary and downright painful the more I would understand and see His marvelous, gracious, healing hand of love. 

PS I'm going to drop quite a few verses. I encourage you to read scripture before and after for more context ;)

Romans 14:19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Colossians 3:14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Romans 15:6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

Ephesians 4:1-6 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.