Remain Unified

Good morning beloved

Unity is never defined by the absence of conflict. However, how we deal with conflict produces a fruit of righteousness or a fruit of sorrow. We must keep our focus and remain connected to God’s heart.

Conflict as defined by the Biblical Topical Encyclopedia is adapted here:

Conflict, in the biblical context, refers to a state of opposition, struggle, or discord between individuals, groups, or spiritual entities. It can manifest in various forms, including physical battles, interpersonal disputes, and spiritual warfare. The Bible presents conflict as a consequence of human sinfulness and the fallen nature of the world, yet it also offers guidance on resolving and overcoming such discord

(Ending of the Adaptation)

Sometimes conflict can even arise from such reasons as cultural, personality or even denominational differences. Lots and lots of reasons why conflict can arise....even simplified differences of opinions. Conflict arises in healthy relationships. Conflict is unavoidable in this world.

We must really "work at it", pray into it, pursue peace for us to remain unified for the sake of Christ.

Think on this carefully God gives us revelation and speaks to each of us in such a deep, individual and personal way. A good example of this is in the four gospels written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, they often viewed the same situation but wrote a different viewpoints and conclusions. This was largely attributed to the inherited cultural beliefs from upbringing and also the people they had to reach.

Though there was no conflict about this, it shows how diversity can work for purpose instead of driving conflict.

May God give us the understanding and revelation of how powerful the Spiritual principle of agreement is. 🤝

Let us come to a place of refusing to have disagreements about unnecessary things, many things if we just pray and leave them to God, he will work it out.

We have just got to keep our focus now, because there is too much to do for Christ.

We have got to remain unified

These verses come to mind

Matthew 18:18/19

18 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth [f]shall have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth [g]shall have [already] been loosed in heaven.

19 “Again I say to you, that if two [h]believers on earth agree [that is, are of one mind, in harmony] about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven

THERE IS POWER IN AGREEMENT!

I can tell you dear friends that usually when two people must do a work together, the enemy will try to divide them.

I pray God will cause us to be more discerning and cause us to be effective in conflict resolution.  Matthew 18 speaks effectively to conflict resolution - how to deal with a matter if conflict arises, how to forgive, the power of agreement and more.

Here is the best advise

Colossians 3:12-14

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity

Amen

True Agape love, forgiveness and mercy are the precursors to remaining in Unity.

Here are the benefits for Unity.

Psalm 133

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brothers to dwell together in unity!

2 It is like the precious oil [of consecration] poured on the head,

Coming down on the beard,

Even the beard of Aaron,

Coming down upon the edge of his [priestly] robes [consecrating the whole body].

3 It is like the dew of [Mount] Hermon

Coming down on the hills of Zion;

For there the Lord has commanded the blessing: life forevermore.

Let us be mindful in the next few days, weeks to walk good in Christ with the fruit of the Spirit. Don't allow the enemy to pull us out in arguments or unnecessary disagreements - those my friends are distractions. These are times where we must keep focus, times where we need to be vigilant and sober. Times where we need to stay connected with and to manifest God’s power and glory in this world.

Remaining in unity means we will stay connected.

We will walk good in Christ.

Nuff love and blessings

Pastor J