SATURDAY November 16, 2024
Knit Together in Love
For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:1-3
Paul’s desire or prayer was that the believers would be knit together. He knew this was what God wanted as well. What does “knit together” mean? It speaks of unity. It is important to be fully unified in the body of Christ, not divided.
How else are we to be united? Paul gave us the answer––being knit together in love. Listen, if we do not have a genuine love for each other, then how can we truly be united? Then again, how can we love one another when we all have different temperaments and personalities? How is it possible? It is only possible through Christ’s agape love––an unconditional love. When we have His love, we can love each other.
Seriously, how can we say that we are Christians without God’s love for one another? Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Love will identify us as followers of Jesus to those who do not know Him. They will know we are Christians, not by our bumper stickers on our cars or by seeing us carrying our Bibles, but by our love. Our actions will always speak louder than our words.
As believers, we have to be united in Christian doctrine––in the things we believe. We are to be united in the things we do together in ministry. There should be no self-seeking or people having their own agendas in the body of Christ. Nor should there be any pride in our hearts; only humility and servanthood toward others.
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.
~1 John 4:7 NLT~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
