7 Ways To Love One AnotherSample

Day 2: Love One Another With One Mind and Purpose

Kelly, a mom of three girls and four boys, observed many instances when her kids—who are all very different people, joined together in pursuit of one goal. 

Whether it was maintaining a beloved holiday tradition or rooting for a cherished item to go in the “keep” pile instead of the “giveaway” pile. Kelly saw what her kids could accomplish when they were of one mind and purpose. 

As God’s children, we’re called to love one another with one mind and purpose because it’s by our love that the world will know we are followers of Jesus (Jn. 13:35). But how often do we let our differences keep us from loving one another well? 

We need to celebrate what unites us, rather than look for things that divide us in order to justify our attitudes and biases. 

In the body of Christ, we have different opinions and ways of doing things. That’s not just okay; it’s actually good! But God’s call for us to be of one mind and purpose flows from remembering that we belong to God and to each other. 

In Philippians 2, Paul reminds us that we share a sense of belonging in Christ. It’s in belonging that we can love one another with greater intentionality and purpose, regardless of our differences. 

God didn’t create you to live for yourself; He created you to live for Him in community with other believers. One of the most effective ways to live for Him as the body of Christ is to demonstrate love with one mind and one purpose.  

Because when the body of Christ lives and loves with the belonging that comes from having one mind and purpose, we’re a force to be reckoned with in accomplishing God’s mission.

Questions for Reflection:  

• What does it look like to love one another with one mind and purpose?   
• How does knowing that everyone is a work in progress shape your perspective of people? What will change in your relationships?   
• What are some intentional ways that you can love others to better reflect a sense of belonging, especially when there are differences or disagreements?