Christain "Principles of Unity"
John 17
1 Corinthians 13
Acts 2
James (entire book)
Philippians (entire book)
John 17:3 stresses this relationship with the Lord. As Christians, we can strengthen our walk by meditating on this verse, as it highlights its importance.
James 1:2-4 Through hardships in life, Christians can take heart that such trials build faith and ‘produce endurance.’ These verses remind Christians to have a positive outlook and trust the Lord through adversities.
John 17:21 underscores this unity as believers. Jesus wants his followers to have that same connection as he has with the Lord, all in light of enlarging the circle of believers in Christ.
John 17:11 emphasizes unity because Jesus desires his followers to have that union with the Lord. We can see how that can mirror our contemporary understanding of Christians and embrace that unity with God.
John 17:26 accents the love of God for his followers. Ruminating on this verse allows believers to draw closer to God and to have that love for him and all he has done.
John 17:16 stirs in the hearts of believers that our identity is founded on Christ, highlighting this sense of identity and belonging to those who believe.
John 17:23 again highlights this desire for unity for Jesus' followers. We read, "I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one so that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." This verse serves as a reminder for Christians to foster a relationship with God.
1 Corinthians 13:1 stresses choosing our words wisely and speaking with love in our words. Prioritizing/leading with love is paramount to being Christ-like.
1 Corinthians 13:3 touches on how one is to lead with love and generosity; having that heart of servitude/love for others matters in the eyes of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 13:4 highlights the heart/characteristics of leading with love. We read, "Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant."
1 Corinthians 13:8 underscores how love is unwavering; love is constant. We read of prophecies, speaking in tongues, and knowledge ceasing, yet love endures forever. There is a great deal of power behind the act of love.
1 Corinthians 13:11 speaks on maturity. Growth and evolving as people are vital in our Christian walk. Leaving behind a childish mindset and gaining wisdom as one matures is a journey one must strive for.
1 Corinthians 13:13 speaks on virtues of what is constant: faith, hope, and love, yet love is what truly matters as it is considered 'the greatest of these.'
Acts 2:1 speaks on a pivotal point in scripture where Jesus' disciples came together and experienced the holy spirit—highlighting the importance of coming together in worship.
Acts 2:4 touches on the event that ensued when filled with the Holy Spirit. The disciples could speak in other tongues to spread the message of Jesus. As Christians, we can meditate on this verse and how we can also come together, in one accord, in an act of worship to spread the message of Jesus.
Acts 2:6 is a powerful point in scripture where the message of Jesus was heard in various languages through the power of the holy spirit. They were spreading the message of Jesus, highlighting that the good news is for everyone.
Acts 2:17 highlights this downpouring of the spirit of God, young and old, daughters and sons, coming together in worship. There are no limitations to those who can experience the holy spirit.
Acts 2:38 highlights the importance of having a repentant heart and the act of baptism, all in light of receiving the holy spirit and drawing closer to God.
Acts 2:21 emphasizes the inclusivity of salvation to anyone with faith. It serves as a reminder that all are welcome and accepted to those who call on the ame of the Lord they will be saved.
James 2:26 is a call to action for Christians. Living by faith alone is not enough; one must also take action as a believer through ‘works.’
James 3:10-12 is a reminder to hold our negative words captive. Our tongue has the power to bless or curse. Christians can meditate on this verse to use wisdom when speaking, being mindful of our words as the words we speak can be a testimony of our walk with the Lord.
James 4:11 is another reminder to be mindful of the words we speak. Believers are to treat each other with kindness, building each other up with love rather than speaking ill of each other.
James 5:9 reminds believers to be peacemakers with each other and to not speak negatively of each other. We are not to cast judgment lest we be judged ourselves.
James 5:13 highlights a heart of worship in times of happiness and seeking prayer during times of hardship. It is a reminder for believers to turn to God during the challenges and blessings of life. V.13 reminds us to draw near to God in every aspect of our lives.
Philippians 1:27 encourages believers to live righteously and reflect on Christ's teaching. Christians can come together, ‘standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.’
Philippians 2:14-15 reminds us to live peaceably, cultivating unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ, not causing strife or division with one another. Not to live as the world but to be set apart from it as believers are held to a higher standard.
Philippians 3:15-17 serves as a reminder to mature in our faith. Being of ‘the same mind,’ believers can mirror and heed guidance from other believers living according to the will and the teachings of Jesus.
Philippians 4:21-22 is a reminder that the gospel's message is to be spread and reach amongst those of various backgrounds and cultures holding influence and highlighting this unity as believers.
Philippians 4:8-9 encourages believers to cultivate a positive mindset that aligns with God—taking negative thoughts captive and finding peace in the Lord.
Philippians 2:5 encourages believers to model Jesus in their walk with the Lord, having humility and leading with love, empathy, compassion, and kindness for others.