The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 16 July 2021 – TOPIC: THE CHURCH MUST BE UNITED

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TOPIC: THE CHURCH MUST BE UNITED*READ: PHILIPPIANS 2:1-4 (NKJV)1. Therefore if [there is] any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,2. fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind.3. [Let] nothing [be done] through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.4. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.*THE MESSAGE:* Today’s passage opens with what the apostle Paul considered as ingredients of proper spiritual growth in Christ – the qualities expected in the life of a Christian who understands the unity Christ expects in His Church. Unity in the body of Christ is the main focus of today’s meditation. This unity can only be achieved as each believer strives to heed the advice of Paul. In true unity, mutual love is comforting because it exhibits affection and compassion towards others. Unity in the Church is highly important irrespective of our background, personal interest and desires or even personal interest and ego. Jesus Christ did not seek His own glory but the Father’s who sent Him. He also prayed for the unity of the Church in her mission to the world.Self-glorification and interest should give way to humility in our hearts and be expressed in our behaviour towards others: We are to be interested in the welfare of others. If every member of each local congregation can adhere to this exhortation, the Church will be heaven on earth. Many unbelievers will turn to Christ even without anybody preaching to them when they see an exemplary and ideal communal living devoid of discrimination in the Church.*PRAYER:* Dear Lord, let there be unity in Your Church starting with me and my local congregation in Jesus’ Name. Amen.