Promote The Gospel Of Christ In Unity

Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter. He was having a strong “desire to depart, and to be with Christ” (v. 23). But he realized that his presence and his influence were more “needful” (v. 24), to the church in Philippi. Even though he was locked up in jail, he was still “the prisoner of the Lord” (Eph 4:1). In fact, 4 of the 14 epistles that Paul wrote were completed while he was in prison! So, whether he is confined or released, Paul encouraged the brethren to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind.” As “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor 5:20), he wants their “conversation” to be united in promoting “the gospel of Christ.”

Even Jesus prayed for His disciples to walk in unity (Jn 17:21). This is not the type of unity that the ecumenical movement is promoting; whose goal is to unite all religions regardless of doctrinal integrity (Rom 16:17). Our Lord wants us to strive together “for the faith of the gospel,” by maintaining unity as members of His body (1 Cor 12:12). We need to show kindness “one to another with brotherly love” (Rom 12:10), and discuss our differences with compassion (Jude 1:22). We must learn to let go of minor hurts and pointless arguments by being “kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another” (Eph 4:32).

This would require us to regard others better than ourselves (Php 2:3), and to refrain from gossip and backbiting that wounds the heart (Prov 26:22). We must be willing to listen to others who may have different opinions (Rom 14:10). And we must exercise the kind of forgiveness that we received from our Saviour (Col 3:13). By doing so, we are shining forth the love of Christ (2 Cor 4:6), to this lost and dying world! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera