Remember when people use to leave the doors of their homes open (the screen door locked) and as a child, your neighbor told your parents when you had done something wrong, the keys of a car could actually be left unattended and no one would steal it, etc. Those times took place because we (as a whole) were in agreement and it didn’t matter whether we knew each other or nor, it was a respect for each other and one’s belongings. What ever happened to that agreement? Have our hearts turned so cold that we have now forsaken these values and ourselves? We’re all guilty of not loving one another as we would love ourselves. The Bible says “love your neighbor as you love yourselves, Leviticus 19:18.”
Unity is a form of love and depending upon how strong its values are, it’s what determines the results of what kind of fruit it will produce (relationships). Think about it, if you continue to be kind to others, the same people will continue to be kind towards you. Perfect example: for years, I’ve smiled and waved to many people, now many people smile and wave to me. It’s reaping what you sow (Galatians 6:7). If you treat your neighbor with respect, usually you’re have it in return. I know there are some people that are not easy to get along with, but The WORD SAYS, to accept others as they are (don’t discriminate), Romans 15:5-6 & 12:6; do not argue or strive over words, 2 Timothy 2:14-16; to be of one mind and show compassion 2 Corinthians 13:11; to live in peace, 1 Peter 3:8 and to share, Acts 4:32. We must seek (pursue) unity and peace (Ephesians 4:3).
How? By striving for it:
1. Esteeming others better than ourselves
(Philippians 2:3)
2. Having concern for one another (1 Corinthians
12:25-26)
3. Humbling one’s self (Matthew 23:12)
4. Prayer (Matthew 18:19)
Plain and simple the foundation is LOVE (GOD)
LOVE is patient; LOVE is kind. IT does not envy, IT does not boast, IT’S not proud. IT’S not rude; IT’S not self-seeking; IT’S not easily angered; IT keeps no record of wrongs. LOVE does not delight in evil, but rejoice with The TRUTH. IT always protects; IT always trusts; always hopes; always preserves. LOVE NEVER FAILS (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). GOD IS LOVE (1 John 4:16) and all these attributes are revealing HIM, put your trust in THE ONE WHO can love you more than you love yourself. Where there’s LOVE, there’s action. All other ways are just words (1 John 3:16-18).
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