… then make my joy complete…
Summary: Paul’s plea for unity among believers is one that echoes through the centuries and still haunts us today.
This phrase of Paul’s is heart-wrenching.
Paul, now an old man as he writes these words, is a prisoner. The man who was once free to roam the known world is now trapped like a bird in a cage. His heart longs to be with the Philippians, but his body is chained to the floor in Rome.*
Unable to travel, Paul receives encouragement, news, and financial help from the Church at Philippi (See Philippians 4:10, 14). He knows that dark forces are at work to undermine the church there (Acts 20:29). He wants them to remain strong in the face of challenges, and so he appeals to their love for him.
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by …” (Philippians 2:1-2)
So what would make Paul’s joy complete? The rest of his thought points to a desire for unity in Christ.
Paul is aware of the cost of contention in the body of Christ. He himself had a falling out with his dear friend and coworker, Barnabas (Acts 15:36-41). It must have galled him to preach unity to new Christians, knowing that he was guilty of falling into the same trap.
Paul’s devotion to the Gospel was a constant source of division with those who sought to add to or take away from God’s Word. Paul stubbornly refused to back down in the name of “unity,” knowing that he could not betray his Lord.
Not everyone had the same vision Paul had. All had the same Spirit, but not all listened as well as Paul did. The result is what we live with today: a mixed bag of religions and denominations. Each group has its own take on what the Gospel means and what is important to Jesus.
The result of division in the body is, like Paul’s plea, heart-wrenching. Jesus prayed that his body would be brought into “complete unity” (John 17:23). Perhaps, one day, we will overcome our pride and submit to each other in love (John 15:12).
Application: Lead by example.
Food for Thought: Is there a need for unity in the church and, if so, how do we get there?
* Paul’s exact location is not known. His presence in Rome seems likely based on available texts.
I guess the short answer is “yes.” As you pointed out, Jesus prayed for unity in His church and it is a relatively common theme in Scripture.
How do we get there? Not all disunity is bad. As you also pointed out, if someone is changing the gospel by adding or subtracting from scripture, we should not compromise for the sake of unity. However, much of what divides us are issues definitely secondary or even tertiary in nature.
You also pointed out a culprit that leads to disunity that we all battle with – pride. Humility is one ingredient to accomplishing true unity. So is forgiveness and bearing with one another in love.
It is all so simple while also being profoundly difficult.
Thank you, Rich.
I like your summation: “It is all so simple while also being profoundly difficult.”
When I asked Grok to generate the image for this blog post, I was somewhat stunned at the result. I had never noticed that there is an “I” in the middle of “unity.” I think maybe, as you point out, that could be the problem. 🙂
Thank You Rich.
Is there a need for unity in the church and, if so, how do we get there?
Gods word has been received, recorded and preserved for the benefit of all mankind. As individual believers we are called, directed to apply these truths to our lives, grow in faith, knowledge and minister to the world around us as we are led by God.
John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Philippians 2:8, And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
John 13:34, A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
I believe the foundation, theme for the Bible is God’s love for all mankind, which is so great that we will never be able to fully comprehend. I believe the unity of believers, as the church, the body of Christ on earth is to be our goal as we seek to allow God to minister through us, to the world around us.
Appreciate the different parts of the body of Christ and serve others as we focus on being the part God has created in us.
1 Peter 4:10, As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
1 Corinthians 12:7, To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Thank you, Ron!
Well said!