Cultivation requires effort, care, labor, study. Cultivation does not imply spontaneous generation. Godly relationships take time, preparation, effort. Some develop smoothly; others seem to have more rocks and weeds.
There are a number of attributes that characterize godly relationships. For our purposes today, I will focus briefly on one: Unity.
In numerous places in the Bible we are called to like-mindedness, to have unity in the Spirit.
Cultivate unity.
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, or one mind…” Philippians 2:1-2
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” Psalm 133:1
“…endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace…” Ephesians 4:3
Does this mean we can’t have opinions? Does like-minded require we think the same about everything?
NO. But ultimately it will require compromise and choosing to come into agreement with the other person because you are motivated by glorifying God. Coming into agreement means you choose to agree. You cease to murmur. You stop talking to others about your own opinion. You support the decision. Sometimes she compromises, sometimes you compromise. You seek like-mindedness based on what you DO have in common, not what you don’t have in common.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” – Psalm 133:1
Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Think About This: “Faith is not believing in my own unshakable belief. Faith is believing an unshakable God when everything in me trembles and quakes.” – Beth Moore
The Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 1-3; Acts 2:1-13| You can download our 2022 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
