One Church, One Heart

Authored by Pastor Tanner Wade

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind … Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped" (Phil. 2:1–2, 5–6).

Paul writes to the Philippian Church, "So if there is any encouragement in Christ … complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind" (Phil. 2:2).

The unity of God's people doesn't begin with everyone having the same ideas, opinions, preferred service times, or even the same vision for what is next. Unity within the body of Christ begins with everyone having the same Savior. We are one Church because we are united to Christ. We are one family because we have been adopted by the Father. We have one heart because the Holy Spirit has called, gathered, and enlightened us around one Gospel. The same Holy Spirit sanctifies us and keeps us in that true faith in Christ our Lord.

The world often believes unity means everyone thinks the same way. The Word of God shows us something deeper. Christian unity is not the absence of differences — it is the presence of Christ. Only the love of Jesus Christ gives us a different way of living together.

The very One who had every right to demand everything chose instead to give everything. Jesus, who was in the very form of God, humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross (Phil. 2:6–8).

That is the heart of our Savior. That is the heart He gives His people. So as we begin this week, may we carry the mind of Christ.

• May we be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19).
• May we "bear with one another in love" (Eph. 4:2).
• May we "encourage one another and build one another up" (1 Thess. 5:11).
• May we be quick to forgive (Col. 3:13; Luke 11:4).
• May we be quicker to reconcile (Matt. 5:24; 2 Cor. 5:18–20; Eph. 2:16). 
• May our words reflect the grace we have received (Eph. 2:8–10).
• May we live out the call of the Christian (Col. 2:6; Eph. 5:2).

Regardless of the future, what will remain is the mission Christ has given us: to proclaim His Gospel, love our neighbor, and make disciples. Have that mind among you. Caring and connecting with our brothers and sisters in Christ and our neighbors around us. Because God has always been doing exactly what it takes in all circumstances to unite hearts and minds together to strengthen the saved and save the lost.

O Source of Every Blessing

LSB Hymn 409

Hail, O Source of ev’ry blessing,

Father of our human race!

Gentiles now, Your grace possessing,

In Your courts obtain a place.

Grateful now, we fall before You,

In Your Church rejoice to live,

See Your glory and adore You,

Thankful for the grace You give.

Once far off but now invited,

We approach Your sacred throne,

In Your covenant united,

Reconciled, redeemed, made one.

Now revealed to eastern sages,

See the Star of Mercy shine,

Myst’ry hid in former ages,

Myst’ry great of love divine.

Hail, O all-inviting Savior!

Gentiles now their off’rings bring,

In Your temples seek Your favor,

Jesus Christ, our Lord and King.

May we, body, soul, and spirit,

Live devoted to Your praise,

Glorious realms of bliss inherit,

Grateful anthems ever raise.