If we go to the beginnings of the early church we will realize that they were “unanimous together”, they shared the same feeling, the pain of one was that of the other, they sold all their goods so that none was missing anything. Do we feel the same love for our neighbor today? I do not want to be pessimistic in relation to the church today, therefore, I would better say that we must improve certain things and thus preserve the love in Christ Jesus for one another.
When we read the book of Acts, we see a church marked by unity, generosity, prayer, and sincere love. They were not perfect people, but they were a people who understood that Christ was the center of everything. Their unity was not based on personal interests, but on their common faith in Jesus. This kind of unity allowed them to face persecution, trials, and difficulties without breaking fellowship, because their bond was spiritual and not merely human.
Today, the church faces many challenges that threaten that unity. Differences of opinion, personal ambitions, misunderstandings, and even pride can open doors to division. That is why it is necessary to constantly examine ourselves and ask whether our attitudes reflect the love of Christ. Love is not only a feeling, but a decision to act with patience, humility, and forgiveness toward others.
Jude gives some instructions in this regard:
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.Jude 1:20-21
Before these verses, Jude tells us who are those that cause divisions, so verse 20 begins with a “but”, saying that we cannot be equal to them, but that we must build on our faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. This contrast is very important, because it shows us that the believer’s response to division is not confrontation, but spiritual growth and perseverance in love.
Building ourselves up in our most holy faith implies a constant commitment to the Word of God. When we neglect Scripture, our faith becomes weak, and we are more vulnerable to conflicts and misunderstandings. Prayer, especially prayer guided by the Holy Spirit, keeps our hearts sensitive to God’s voice and helps us maintain a humble and teachable spirit.
We cannot allow divisions to reach us as a church by creating fights and disputes, but by preserving the love of Christ in our lives, which Christ Himself presented as the golden rule: to love the Lord with all our heart and our neighbor as ourselves. This love is not selective; it extends to all, even to those who think differently or may have offended us.
Keeping ourselves in the love of God also means remembering the mercy we have received. When we look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, we are reminded that everything we have is by grace. This perspective helps us be more patient with others and less quick to judge.
The church is called to be a reflection of Christ to the world. Unity and love are powerful testimonies that speak louder than words. When believers walk in love, the world can see that Christ truly lives among His people. This does not mean ignoring truth, but speaking the truth in love, always seeking restoration rather than division.
In conclusion, we must remain in love, be fervent in prayer, and encourage each other to stimulate our faith in Christ Jesus our beloved Lord. Let us strive to be a church that builds up rather than tears down, that unites rather than divides, and that reflects the character of Christ in every action. Our Lord is coming soon, and may He find us faithful, united, and walking in His love. Amen.