What is unity? It is the state of harmony and oneness, where we forsake our differences and abandon our prejudices in order to be friends. This type of unity must be worked for with effort. Jesus calls us to this unity with Himself, and with the body of Christ around us. He establishes the role of believers with Himself, describing our submission to Him where He is our Source, Leader, and Teacher. Submission to Christ is the groundwork, but we are also to submit to each other. We are by nature barren and dry, and we must draw from the Vine as our source of life. If we understand this union, God will continue to prune us so that we may bear more fruit. But we can’t bear fruit on our own, or by our own acts of allegiance. Fruit comes from the inward working of God in a heart submitted to Him. It is only by your acceptance of Jesus’s doctrine that you will continue to bear fruit. And bearing fruit glorifies God because it is the evidence of His work in our lives. This union with Christ flows from God’s love for us. We will remain in His love if we keep God’s commands. This must come from the heart though, not just mere outward acts. We must see the Father’s love for us, and this will bring us joy to give of ourselves sacrificially to others. Christ laid down His life for us, and this love must change us, so that we can live sacrificial lives for others. Jesus will give us the power to lay down our lives for our friends, as well as for our enemies. When this love is seen by the world, it will be evidence to them of Christ’s love. Therefore, continue laying down your life in service to others. Your fruit will remain to the end of time, even if you don’t see it here and now. |
