(The following is the September 16 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 1 Thessalonians 3 and pay close attention to verses 11-13.)

Is it easier to love people like us or those who are different? Most people drift toward others like them in personality, social status, intellect, physical capabilities, faith, politics, morality, etc. The starker the differences, the less likely we will grow close to each other. For good or bad, we are more comfortable with people like ourselves.

Given such inclinations, we should marvel at what Christ does in unifying members of his church. Whether a congregation has dozens, hundreds, or thousands of members, we can look across it and see a cross-section of diverse people made in God’s image. The many ways we differ are insignificant compared to what brings us together – a common faith in and love for Jesus Christ.

Paul prayed for the Thessalonians, saying, “may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you” (v. 12). He made clear in multiple letters to churches the expectation of Christian unity and love. Why did he repeat such commands and prayers? Possibly because of how unnatural it is for diverse people to “increase and overflow with love for one another” on their own. This love can only happen through divine intervention. Perhaps this is why Paul prefaced his comment with “may the Lord cause you to…” because he knew that such love must have Christ as its source to occur.

If Christians are to love people inside and outside the church, we can only do so in loving submission to Christ. He alone can overcome the differences that divide us and replace that division with unity.

Next Step:
Who do you love in your church despite significant worldly differences? What can you do to understand and love better those you find more difficult to love?