Summer Fruit Devotion: Joy Day 4

Joy in Unity

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Romans 14:17-19

I have often told my children that the only reason they should look at their brother’s plate is to make sure he has enough, not to complain that he got more. God adopts us as family and gives us spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ so we can encourage and care for one another. We are not alone in our struggles. We have the Holy Spirit and we have each other. How sad when the world sees us squabbling among ourselves. I’m not saying we need unity at all costs, but we could be doing a much better job of standing together in love because we all love Christ.

Journal time. Selfish ambition robs joy, but unity, and humbly serving others brings joy that the world doesn’t understand. Consider the anagram:
Jesus
Others
You
Write down some ways that you can serve Christ and others to bring more unity to your church and family.

Pray with me today. Heavenly Father we are so grateful that Christ has united us with you by his humble sacrifice. Help us to humble ourselves and serve one another in that same love. Let us not nit pick each other but strive for unity as an example of your kingdom to the world. Help us to build each other up for the sake of unity, peace, and joy. In the humble and peaceful name of Jesus we pray, Amen.