Romans 15:1-6 (6)
In her book, “Grapes of Wrath or Grace?” Barbara Brokhoff tells of a man tells who was on a bus tour in Rome. Their first stop was a basilica in a piazza which was surrounded by several lanes of relentless Roman traffic. After they were all safely dropped off, the group climbed the steps for a quick tour of the church. Eventually they began to straggle back toward the bus which was parked across the street from the church. The guide seeing what was taking place frantic shouted for the group to stay together. He cried out, \”If you cross one by one, they hit you one by one. But if you cross together, they will be afraid it might damage their car!\”
There is always much to be said for unity, particularly the unity of the Spirit. The word unity, however, is only used three times in the Bible. Psalm 133:1 refers to unity of believing brethren. Ephesians 4:3 refers to unity of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:13 refers to unity of our faith. Even so, the subject of unity is taught repeatedly in both by precept and example. Usually it is taught in the context of loving others. Why is this so important to us? Paul tells us in Romans 15:6 that when Christians love and respect one another in a spirit of unity we please our Lord.
Dr. Gayle Woods