For [if we are] in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but only faith activated and expressed and working through love.” Galatians 5:6 (AMP)
If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands.” John 14:15 (AMPC)
Notice that the word “love” is placed before “obedience”. Having an intimate love relationship with the Lord empowers us to obey and follow Him wherever He leads. Without relationship, all we have is hollow religion. At the heart, Christianity is all about relationships, relationship with the Lord Jesus and relationship with each other. We cannot disciple others or be discipled without relationship. Therefore we can draw the conclusion that influence and genuine ministry must always be preceded by relationship. If we are going to be successful in our Christian endeavours and fulfil our God-given mission we need to pull together in one given direction. We need to be in one accord and one mind, having the same love for each other.
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Philippians 2:1-5 (NLT)
These words of Paul become the foundation upon which Christ builds and strengthens His Church. Our harmonious relationship with each other is what Christ uses and builds upon as He seeks to extend the influence of His Kingdom. Without the strength of these relationships, there is nothing to build on.
We should not allow the cares and worries of this world to distract us from our wholehearted devotion to the Lord and true fellowship with each other. We need to keep our eyes focused on the Lord and maintain our commitment to Him and to the spiritual family God has placed us in. In an age where ‘self’ is elevated and idolized, we need to reaffirm our love and commitment to the Lord Jesus as well as to each other.