This post was updated on 4/7/2015

Kingdom Principle: The Kingdom is advanced through the unity and fellowship of the Church. Unity is the prize and fellowship is the process.

Acts 4:32-35 Psalm 133 1 John 1:1-2:2 John 20:19-31

It is often referenced in relationships that opposites attract. The power in that is a complimentary unity found in matching and blessing of gifts such that the two unique become one unified. Why else would I be able to have such an amazing wife? Or why would God consider humanity to be the bride of Christ? It is beautiful when unity is embraced between two who enjoy a process of fellowship and discover unity.

The goal of unity is discovered not in the pursuit of unity rather in the process of fellowship. Often the pursuit of unity is one of compromise and conformity, where the process of fellowship is one of communication and celebration.  The key source of communication in the process of fellowship belongs to the Spirit of God. In this process the Holy Spirit creates the bond of peace and cleanses the sin that so easily divides. Our calling as the church in fellowship is to be quick to confess our impure ways and to contribute to the burdens of others. This process demonstrates how good and pleasant it is when the people of God live together in unity speaking truth in love.

In the Scriptures this week – we see the power of opposing ideas, people and  places being brought together in unity. We also see that Unity is not tolerance or compromise as in the understanding of Light and Darkness. It is not acceptable for Thomas to remain in unbelief – rather there is a process for belief to take root where fellowship is granted and for unity to be achieved.

What process are you in for unity. Who is in this process with you? Are you the person “ahead” or “behind” on the road to unity?  If ahead be quick to confess your impure ways and contribute to the other persons needs. If “behind” reach out to the Spirit and the bond of peace and ask for help to see that which you are missing. In this you will deepen your fellowship with your brother or sister to whom you are in relationship.

But what goal of unity is there for those who you are not in fellowship with? We will address this later in more detail, but for now – look to the process of fellowship of your own self. Are you at peace with yourself? Do you have passions or dreams which you have given up and it plagues you? Do you have addictions or impulses of which you are ashamed? Are their people whom you are avoiding – if so what feelings are evoked in you which are not pleasing unto the Lord? These are places where there is not pure fellowship within your own body, soul and spirit.  Spend time here, before you begin to seek out fellowship with those whom you know unity will be challenging.

Remember Unity is the goal, and fellowship is the process and it is all:

• A work of the Holy Spirit
• Worked out in the Physical/Practical
• Expressed in Community not in Conformity
• Already complete and always expanding

Therefore –  How do we participate in the work of the Holy Spirit for the physical/practical expressions of our community to enjoy that which is complete and to expand the unity of all?

• Confession – embrace my faults and shortcoming, releasing expectations
• Celebration – embrace the best of others and their intentions
• Compassion – embrace your ability to bless others