1210) When I was a teen, I had the privilege of going on a summer mission trip with Teen Missions International (TMI). That summer I found out that TMI was very concerned with unifying all the teens on each team (I believe there were 32 on my team??). In order for this to happen, there were certain subjects that we were encouraged not to visit. Things like denominational issues and perhaps political leanings. We were also put into some controlled circumstances, such as an obstacle course, that forced us to work together. All of this was because TMI understood the importance and power of unity.

Paul also understood this and points out in Colossians 2:2 that love is the ultimate unifier. Why? Because if we truly love one another, we don’t have to force our will, thoughts, and opinions on others; we learn to accept others for who they are.

Does this “acceptance” mean that we endorse everything someone else does? Of course not. Instead, this type of unity sets the tone of the room. If you want to share with others the reasons you think, do, or feel as you do, they will be more open to discussion when it’s clothed in love. After all, “United we stand…..”