I’m convinced more than ever that one of the greatest issues plaguing the unity of the Church is the evil spirit of competition.

Just to be clear, I’m referring to unity, and relationships amid Gospel-centered Churches. This article is not about unity within a single body of believers. My thoughts are in reference to relationships between local churches in close proximity.

The premise of this article is based on how Churches seem to be in ungodly competition with one another.

For example, Instead of bringing brothers and sisters along where they lack, there seems to be a tendency to tear each other down, point the finger at one another, and slander each other. Ultimately the result of this kind of behavior is the elevation of congregations over other congregations, or the “my Church” over “your Church” mentality. A constant war. A seemingly unending competition of who’s right and wrong, or who is good and bad.

I’m convinced the real issue is love. Not love without doctrine, but loved based on, and motivated by orthodox Christian doctrine.

The common and central argument from leaders who find themselves guilty of these kind of behaviors will more times than not base their argument on doctrine. But I’m convinced the real issue is love. Not love without doctrine, but loved based on, and motivated by orthodox Christian doctrine.

The reality is that biblical love requires time, patience, long-suffering, and a preference of others over oneself. Most Churches that are stained with this kind of culture are not willing to love like this because of the example their leaders have set. As a result their is an ugly and malicious sowing of division amid Church communities.

If doctrine is not motivated and compelled by the love of God it is deadly.

It’s sad, and it breaks my heart. It should break your heart. Most importantly, it breaks the heart of Christ.

Maybe the Churches that think they are deep, are not as deep as they think. If doctrine is not motivated and compelled by the love of God, it is deadly. It will destroy everyone and everything in it’s way. But when our intent is to use doctrine to love God with all our hearts, and love our neighbor as ourselves, it is life giving, and used for the building up of the Church.

The words of Paul have never rang more true ““And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:2-3)

My final encouragement and exhortation are from the words of Paul in Ephesians 4:3 “let us be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Join with me in prayer for the unity that Christ prayed for in the high priestly prayer in John 17. God is able! I believe He can, and will unify His body according to His timing, and His will and purposes.