A New Testament Journey
The most universal message of the New Testament writers to the early church, next to the gospel itself, was to have unity and love for each other.
Let's journey chronologically through roughly the first decade of the writing of the New Testament:
James, the brother of Jesus, writes his epistle, in which he entreats the churches not to show partiality; and follows this by asserting that love is only genuine if it results in tangible help and kindness.[i] In the same chapter, James reiterates the golden rule, as taught by Jesus, calling it the royal law.
Over the next decade or so, Paul wrote the bulk of his letters to churches, starting with the first letter to Thessalonica (which may have pre-dated James). The theme of love and unity among believers is addressed in every one of these letters.
In the first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians, we see a call to brotherly love, in the fourth chapter. Though they already know its value, yet he spurs them on to more and more.[ii] Paul also prays in the previous chapter that "the Lord make you increases and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you;" and unity is addressed near the end of the book as Paul tells them to be at peace among themselves, encouraging, helping, and admonishing each other as needed.[iii] In the second letter, Paul thanks God for their faithfulness and their love for one another.[iv]
The letter to the region of Galatia reminded the believers to not become conceited or contentious, but to help one another in humility, and do good to all people, especially other Christians.[v] Paul's reference to the "law of Christ" here is likely the same idea as James' "royal law."
First Corinthians, in addition to having the greatest passage on love found anywhere in world literature, composing the whole of chapter 13; also contains one of the greatest passages on understanding unity in chapter 12. First we see that individual Christians were saved into the context of a community; and in that community there is no room for elitism. All are valued and necessary. Paul calls them to a unity so close, that they suffer and rejoice together. From the context of unity, the discussion of love emerges, and we see clearly, that there is no substitute for love. No amount of pious deeds or Biblical knowledge can fill the absolutely vital role of love.[vi]
In Second Corinthians, Paul is addressing some serious issues, that dominate the letter; but he still takes the time to give a shout out to the extensive teachings in First Corinthians on love and unity; specifically by re-addressing church discipline as a method of restoration to improve love and unity, and in his closing remarks.[vii]
In the letter to the Roman believers, Paul brings up the body imagery again in chapter 12, followed by imperatives to treat each other with appropriateness and respect, love without pretense, and to live "in harmony with one another," characterized by humility and empathy.[viii]
To the church at Philippi, Paul wrote a stirring call to unity, telling the believers to set aside all rivalries and competition, and look out for one another's interests in a spirit of love and humility.[ix]
Paul wrote to the Colossians for the very purpose that "that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love…"[x]
Philemon is written as a peace-making document, and Paul encourages unity and love between Philemon and Onesimus.[xi] The reconciliation and unity of the gospel is the core theme.
In Ephesians Paul urges the believers to walk in a gospel-dominated fashion, "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."[xii]
I'm going to stop with that initial window of New Testament writings; but let me just say that (1) this trend continues, and (2) it culminates up to thirty years later in the writings of John, which make clear what Jesus said shortly before his death, that the love and unity of the church is to be a primary characteristic. Love is the family likeness that identifies all true children of God.[xiii] John records how Jesus himself prayed to the Father in his high priestly prayer that the believers of this church age may be one—unified even as the godhead is unified.[xiv] Pretty extreme language. This is the formal prayer Jesus offered up to the Father on our behalf; and we are to be united, and to love one another.
A Word of Comfort
This core subject of unity is not talked about as much as it should be—and certainly gets nowhere near the relative attention the New Testament writers gave it. Perhaps this is because we feel that after two thousand years of relative failure in this department, it's a tad awkward of a subject for the Church. Perhaps some people are confused or discouraged about the topic. Perhaps there are even some who have spent long years in spiteful rivalry against other churches or believers and have no interest in love or unity.
For those thinking that the last two thousand years has been one big epic fail on the love and unity front; allow me to give you a perspective on church history. There are two histories of the "Christian Church," the history of those relative few that are actual redeemed believers, who are living out their faith, and the history of everyone who ever thought it was cool or advantageous to be a "Christian." The contradiction in terms that is "Christendom" has historically been composed of a large number of unredeemed people, who have neither the indwelling of the Spirit, nor the fire of the love of Christ within them. Similar to the way the Pharisees of Jesus day misrepresented God's Old Testament economy while a faithful few held true to it; so we see unregenerate people in church history painting crosses on their shields and marching off to kill people who aren't like themselves.
To sum this up, while terrible things have been done in God's name; I believe that the minority of true believers have actually done fairly well in the love department, and better than we might think in the unity one.
For those who feel this is an unreachable and overwhelming topic, and are just discouraged in this matter, here is something to think about. In the high priestly prayer, Jesus is praying to God for unity. Jesus makes it clear that while he will use others, he is the one building, his church.[xv] God in his sovereignty is handling the unity of the church as a whole. All we are responsible for is to love others and seek unity within our own spheres of influence.
For those who are confused, we will be talking about love and unity for a couple weeks, so stay tuned. I hope we can help. Also, feel free to leave comments or questions below.
For those who want to love and work towards unity, but feel that you are falling short; your heart in this matter is what is most important. Pray about it. God will help you with opportunities and courage to live love out. Be encouraged.
And finally, for those who don't like the idea of love and unity – check to make sure you are truly redeemed. Lack of love is serious business. Read through the Scriptures, and abide by them.
Coming UP
Over the next couple weeks, we will look at the primary characteristics of the loving unity that should characterize our Christian community.
- Christ-Centricity
- Humility and Esteem
- Empathy
- Diversity
- Solidarity
Under Grace,
John Fritz
John Fritz is the Volunteer Coordinator for Thoughtful Life Ministries and the primary author of the Thoughtful Life Journal, which is published weekly from March through September. The purpose of this blog is to challenge and encourage those who have a desire to cultivate a more meaningful walk with Christ. Visit our Homepage to learn more about the ministry and our annual two-week summer Discipleship Program for teens and young adults.
[i] James 2[ii] 1 Thess. 4:9-10[iii] 1 Thess. 3:12; 5:12-15[iv] 2 Thess. 1:3[v] Gal. 5:25-6:10[vi] 1 Cor. 12-13[vii] 2 Cor. 2:5-11; 13:11-14[viii] Rom. 12[ix] Phil. 2:1-11[x] Col. 2:1-6[xi] Philemon[xii] Eph. 4:1-6[xiii] Basically all of 1 John, but we'll say 1 John 4:7-12[xiv] John 17:9-26[xv] Matt. 16:18