Morgan Teruel: Thanks for tuning in to The Sandals Church podcast. Our vision as a church is to be real with ourselves, God, and others. We're glad you're here, and we hope you enjoy this message.
Adam Workman: As you listen to this passage, focus on the ways you can love well by being connected to Jesus. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony, and let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.
For as members of 1 body, you are called to live in peace, and always be thankful that the message about Christ and all its richness fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the father. Colossians 3 12 through 17.
Our obedience to Jesus leads us to intimacy and fellowship with other believers, and the work he's doing, being a reflection of who Jesus is, and bearing good fruit. What does unity look like? Imagine for a moment. What comes to mind. A team celebrating a championship victory, brothers and sisters standing arm in arm singing worship songs together, 2 diverse rivers joining together to tumble down a canyon carving out nature's beauty?
Your image might be different from these, but 1 thing is certain, unity cannot happen in isolation. Now consider your image of unity and extend that to your own heart. Notice your feelings as you consider a heart that is unified with Jesus. Allow yourself a moment to pause and ask Jesus for that unity right now. Now, consider how Jesus responded to those whose methods, lifestyle, and beliefs differed from his.
How does his response differ from the world around us? What might happen in our communities if we learn to respond to others more like Jesus did? Jesus knew the secret to unity with others was his own unity with the father. How can you seek unity with God in your thoughts and actions today? What joy and peace might be on the other side for you personally as you practice this?
Close this time by simply uttering the following prayer, Jesus, I know that my heart is designed for unity with you. I admit that I often stray from this, grasping for my own ways and focusing on this more than focusing on what it looks like to be unified with you. Help me desire a unified heart with you, Jesus, and may that unity bless both me and those in my community. Amen.