Read 2 Corinthians 13:11–14

Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11

Our God is the “God of love and peace.” Can the outside world tell that from the way we Christians live and conduct the business of the church? “Behold how they love one another!” was what the lost world said about the early church, but it has been a long time since the church has earned that kind of commendation. Like Christians today, the Corinthian believers desperately needed the blessings of grace, love, and communion. The competition in the Corinthian church, resulting in divisions, would have been eliminated if the people had only lived by God’s grace and love.

The church is a miracle, and only the miracle ministry of God can sustain it. No amount of human skill, talents, or programs can make the church what it ought to be. Only God can do that. If each of us is depending on the grace of God, walking in the love of Christ, and participating in the fellowship of the Spirit, then we will be a part of the answer and not a part of the problem. We will be living this benediction—and being a benediction to others!

Be encouraged and then encourage others.

Something to Ponder

What things do you do to try to build unity with other believers?