Unity is built on the foundation of Love

John 13:34-35 Acts 2:42-47 John 17:21 1John 2:7-11

Good morning, church. I’m glad to be here and glad to share with you exciting news about the efforts we are trying to do among our churches. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m glad that this body of believers is willing to join this effort to bring us closer together. We may be autonomous in where we worship, but the blood of Jesus and His word bind us together as a community of believers.

Jesus believes in unity and has witnessed its power and impact. He witnessed it, even though their intentions were wrong in Genesis 11 and the people stopped doing what God asked them to do, which was to be fruitful and fill the earth. But they stopped and built a tower. God came down and saw this and said They are one now nothing they can do. Church, I believe in this effort, and I want the lord to come down on us. You don’t hear me, church. I want God. I pray that God will come down and see what good works we are trying to do. and if he sees for His glory being magnified that he will know that His son did not die in vain. We want Him to see the power of Unity moving about through this city and even this state. In Psalms 131:1 “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” That’s what we are striving for. But in order to do this, we must ensure that all we do is from the Lord, and therefore, to keep unity, we must ensure it's built on the foundation of Love. What is love? It is a word that is abused and played out in so many wrong ways. Love is one of the most used words in our culture today. We hear it in songs, see it in movies, and talk about it in relationships. But what does love really mean? Jesus, in His final moments with His disciples, gave them a clear command—love one another. This was not just a suggestion or an option, but a command that would define their identity as His followers. I believe we have some former military in the audience who might know about following commands. Every group in the world has an identifying mark—something that sets them apart. Police officers wear uniforms, doctors wear scrubs, and sports teams wear jerseys. We even have marks on our bodies that we call birth marks, which have been used in kidnappings and abductions of children and adults. Even Bomb makers have a signature. But what is the identifying mark of a Christian? Jesus made it clear: love.

So, let's find out what real love is about and how it can keep this mission for us on the right track.

Church, we are on a mission to bring unity back to OKC. By our love for one another, we show this city that we are truly disciples of Christ. True Unity is only possible when it's founded on God's love. In a world filled with division across nations, communities, families, and even churches, the call for Unity is more urgent than ever. Unity is not just about agreement or tolerance; it's about being bound together by the love of God.

Our main scripture comes from John 13:34-35 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” in the NLT Verse 35 says Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

I tell my congregation all the time that the Triune God is from a small town in Missouri, the Show Me state. God wants us to show this world how much we love Him. So let's dive into what this means for us as believers. Love is an action that helps to sustain unity.

When our eyes are on our purpose, we can’t fail at our mission. So what helps us keep our mission.

Unity begins with God's love

God is the source of love 1 John 4:7- 8 reminds us “Dear friends let us love one another for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, Why because God is love.” True unity is impossible without love because God is the foundation of both; without God's love, unity becomes shallow it turns into forced agreement or temporary alliances. We do it just to get along, knowing this is my last time.

Think about the early Church in Acts 2:42-47. They shared everything; they prayed together and supported one another. Their unity wasn't just about being together; it was about actively showing that they were one in Christ.

Love overcomes division

The world promotes division based on race, status background, or political status. But God's love unites us beyond our differences. Colossians 3:14 from the NIV “And overall these virtues put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity. “ When Love is the foundation, unity is possible despite disagreements.

Jesus' disciples were from different backgrounds: fishermen, tax collectors, and even political opposites (Matthew a tax collector and Simon the Zealot) They came from vastly different backgrounds and ideologies. Their differences highlight the unifying power of Christ’s love.

1. Matthew the Tax Collector (Matthew 9:9-13), (also called Levi) was a tax collector for the Roman government. Why It Mattered: Tax collectors were seen as traitors by their fellow Jews because they collected taxes for the oppressive Roman Empire. They were also notorious for overcharging people and keeping extra money for themselves. Public Perception: Most Jews despised tax collectors, considering them corrupt and unclean. In some churches and even society, we put people in positions due to their influence. This shows the power of Love and how it can transform anyone.

2. Now, Simon was a Zealot who was part of the Jewish political movement that fiercely opposed Roman rules. The Zealots were known for their intense nationalism and, at times, violent resistance against Rome. Some Zealots even advocated for armed rebellion. Zealots were considered heroes by many Jews who wanted freedom from Roman rule, but they were seen as radicals by others. So now you got a blood vs. crip, a Jew with a Hamas. Polie are even smart to ensure they know who goes in what cell.

Look at the contrast and the Miracle of Unity

• Opposing Sides: Matthew worked for Rome, while Simon likely fought against Rome. In any other situation, Simon might have seen Matthew as a traitor, and Matthew might have feared Simon as a threat.,

But Jesus’ Love A new kind of Love, Despite their differences, Jesus called both of them to be His disciples, showing that His kingdom is greater than political or social divisions. Their lives prove that in Jesus, love is stronger than ideology. The world divides, but Christ unites.

If Jesus could bring together a tax collector and a Zealot, He can unite people from any background, culture, or political belief under His love. Unity in Christ doesn’t mean we always agree—but it does mean we love and serve together for God’s greater purpose.

So I mentioned earlier about Genesis 11 and what it would look like when all where on one accord. This is that new love that Jesus was talking about in John 13, Turn your bibles to Acts 2. Let's pick up in verse 1 On the day of Pentecost[a] all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages,[b] as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

5 At that time, there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.

13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!”

that sounds like us today, we add crazy. There are always going to be things that we can’t explain and thats so that we can know God is still in charge. But we do is place labels and divison among people. Church it's going to take a moment to fully grasp what this looks like, feels like and smells like, BUt know this it wont because we are intoxicated.

3 Unity in love is a testimony to the world. Jesus said “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” our love for one another proves that we belong to Christ when the world sees a church that loves forgives and stands together they will see the power of God at work. In

I john 3:11-13 11 This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12 We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous. 13 So don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you

I don’t believe that people become believers of Christ to go to hell. Folk can go to hell and never stepp foot in a church. So, the question that I have is if Able would have survived the attempt on his life, would his righteous way of living have made him look at Cain as broken? Hurting, reformable? In acts

42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[i]), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[j]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

4 How do we walk in unity through love

Forgive quickly let me say that again forgive quickly Colossians 3:13 says, bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone forgive as the Lord forgave you

Serve one another - Galatians 5:13 tells us to “serve one another humbly in love” true Unity requires humility

Pray for each other - James 5:16 says “teaches that when we pray, we pray together and when we do healing and strength will come

Encourages us not tear down - Ephesians 4:29 “Don't let anyone unwholesome talk come out of your mouth but only what is helpful for building others up.”

Someone in this church stood up for my marriage some years ago.

Conclusion: A Call to Unity

John 17:21(NLT)- “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”