DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- UNITY OF THE BODY OF CHRIST

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE UNITY OF THE BODY OF CHRIST

"Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you." (II Corinthians 13:11)

What a benediction! Listen to the Apostle Paul's closing words.

He urged them to be complete. Like a diamond, this word has several facets: It means to be solid and complete. It means to mend what has been broken or torn – as their relationship. Ethically, it means to strengthen, to make perfect, or to make one what he ought to be – to restore something to what it was intended to be. Paul had a vision for the Church at Corinth. It had been torn and divided, but now he urges them to be healed and repaired – to be united.

Be of good comfort (from parakaleo – the Greek word for comfort or consolation). His desire was that they would be strengthened and encouraged in their faith.

Be of one mind – not as clones, but having one focus and purpose; being unified in the faith, centered on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Live in Peace – especially since there was division and conflict between believers. Peace is the absence of conflict.

When these attributes are present, it provides a place for God to abide with His peace and love, and to accomplish what He intended for the body of Christ to be.

This is a paradigm for every church – every body of believers – to be unified in the purpose of spreading the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, and to build believers in the faith.  These principles could also be applicable to any broken relationship, whether family, marriage, or friends.  May this be our purpose also.

Love, Dad