Charity Begins at Church: Unity In the Love, Peace, and Word of Jesus

In our everyday conversations, we often hear the phrase "Charity Begins at Home," emphasizing the importance of instilling values within our families first. However, as Christians, it's vital to extend this principle beyond the confines of our households to encompass our spiritual family – the body of Christ.

Just as children learn foundational values at home, believers learn and experience the core principles of Christianity within the church community. If we desire to exhibit such character as kindness, forgiveness, and gentleness to the world, it must first begin within the body of Christ.

Children learn to be kind by experiencing kindness at home. Similarly, within the body of Christ, we cultivate kindness through our interactions with fellow believers. Just as forgiveness is practiced within families, the church serves as a place where forgiveness is extended and received, mirroring the forgiveness we have received from Christ. The gentleness we display towards family members sets the tone for our interactions with others. Likewise, within the body of Christ, gentleness is fostered, creating a nurturing environment for spiritual growth.

However, unity is essential for such values to flourish within the church. The apostle Paul addresses the importance of unity and outlines three key elements that unite believers: love, peace, and the word of Christ.

Colossians 3:12–17 says, "So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion,    kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

Paul emphasizes that in Christ, there is no distinction based on ethnicity, social status, or background. Christ is all-encompassing, and His love binds believers together as one family. As recipients of God's love, we are called to love one another genuinely.

The peace of Christ transcends worldly conflicts and unites believers in harmony. It governs our hearts and guides our interactions within the body of Christ. By cultivating an atmosphere of peace, we create space for mutual respect and understanding.

Central to unity is the Word of Christ, which dwells richly within believers. Through the study and application of Scripture, we edify one another, teaching and admonishing with wisdom. The Word serves as a unifying force, guiding our actions and attitudes.

The Colossian church faced challenges from false teachings and divisive practices. Paul warns against the allure of worldly wisdom and encourages believers to remain rooted in Christ. Special knowledge, cultural traditions, and ascetic practices should not divide the body of Christ but instead serve as opportunities for unity in Christ.

As members of the body of Christ, we are called to prioritize unity above personal preferences and differences. Regardless of our backgrounds or statuses, “Christ is all and in all” (Colossians 3:11). Our identity as believers transcends earthly distinctions, uniting us in a common purpose – to glorify God and demonstrate His love to the world.

By nurturing unity within the body of Christ, we lay a foundation for expressing God's love and character to the world. As the saying goes, "Charity Begins at Church," and it is within the body of Christ that we learn to love, forgive, and extend grace, ultimately impacting the world with the transformative power of Christ's love.

The Love of Christ

In Colossians 3:12–14, the apostle Paul outlines the characteristics of love that should permeate the life of every believer. As those chosen by God and dearly loved, we are called to clothe ourselves with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We are to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave us. Above all, we are to put on love, the perfect bond of unity.

Love, in its truest form, is selfless. It looks beyond self-interest and considers the welfare of others above all else. Love within the church creates a ripple effect of care and unity.

However, loving others within the church community isn't always easy. There may be individuals whom we find challenging to love or connect with. Yet, the Scriptures remind us that every person holds value because Christ is in all. Even those we may struggle to appreciate are cherished by God.

It's essential to recognize that when we serve and love others within the church, we are ultimately serving and loving Christ Himself. The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in 1 Corinthians 13:1–7, where he emphasizes that without love, even the most extraordinary gifts and actions are meaningless.

Gifts within the church, whether it be speaking in tongues, prophesying, or giving generously, find their true purpose when motivated by love. When our actions stem from a genuine desire to manifest love towards others, our gifts become valuable instruments for edification and encouragement.

Paul's profound insights into love, as expressed in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, serve as a timeless guide for believers. Love is patient, kind, humble, and selfless. It rejoices in truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love must be our guiding principle in every aspect of our lives, whether within the church or beyond its walls. By acting out of love, we not only fulfill God's commandments but also foster unity and harmony within the body of Christ. There are no losers when love reigns supreme because every act of love is an act of obedience to God and a manifestation of His boundless love for us.

Let us always seek to put on love, for it is the enduring foundation upon which unity is built.

The Peace of Christ

In Colossians 3:15, Paul instructs believers to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts, emphasizing the importance of peace within the body of Christ. Peace, in its truest sense, goes beyond the absence of conflict; it encompasses fairness, equality, and understanding. Despite the inherent differences among individuals, the peace of Christ serves as the unifying force within the church community.

Within the church, achieving peace may seem improbable due to the diversity of backgrounds, beliefs, and preferences. Yet, unlike the world, the body of Christ shares a common bond in Christ Himself. As members of His body, we are united under His headship, and His peace should govern our interactions with one another.

Central to fostering peace within the body of Christ is aligning our thoughts and actions with those of Christ Himself. We must continually ask ourselves, "What would Jesus think?" and "What would Jesus do?" This perspective enables us to approach conflicts and disagreements with humility, grace, and a desire for reconciliation.

Peace doesn't necessitate uniformity of thought or opinion. Rather, it entails treating one another with fairness, equality, and empathy. Just as Jesus would extend grace and understanding to others, we are called to do likewise within the body of Christ.

The command to "be thankful" reinforces the connection between peace and gratitude. A heart filled with thankfulness is conducive to peace, whereas a critical and legalistic mindset breeds fear and division. Instead of burdening others with unrealistic expectations or judgmental attitudes, we are called to live in gratitude for God's grace and love.

The apostle John echoes this sentiment in 1 John 4:15–18, highlighting the inseparable connection between love and the absence of fear. In God's perfect love, fear finds no place, for His love casts out all fear. As recipients of His love, we are empowered to live in confidence and assurance, free from the bondage of fear.

As members of the body of Christ, let us prioritize peace by cultivating hearts of thankfulness and love. Let us strive to emulate Christ's example of grace, humility, and understanding in our interactions with one another. In doing so, we not only honor God but also create a community where His peace reigns supreme, transforming differences into opportunities for unity and mutual edification.

The Word of Christ

In Colossians 3:16, Paul underscores the indispensable role of the Word of Christ within the church community. While love and peace are essential components of unity, they must be anchored in the truth of God's Word. Without a firm foundation in Scripture, churches risk veering into dangerous territory, either becoming devoid of truth or falling into legalism.

Some churches prioritize love and unity at the expense of neglecting the Word of Christ. While they may appear united outwardly, their lack of biblical grounding leaves them vulnerable to deception and error. Conversely, other churches may emphasize intellectual knowledge of Scripture without embodying its principles of love and grace. These churches run the risk of becoming legalistic and hypocritical, devoid of genuine love and compassion.

Thus, a healthy balance is essential – one where love, peace, and the Word of Christ form a solid foundation for unity. The Word of Christ should not only be taught but also applied in love, serving as a guide for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.

Scripture, as God-inspired, equips believers for every good work and ensures that they remain steadfast in their faith. Surrounding oneself with individuals who prioritize the Word of Christ is crucial for spiritual growth and resilience against worldly influences.

Just as individuals conform to societal norms, believers can be swayed by the prevailing attitudes and beliefs of their peers. Therefore, being part of a community that upholds the truth of Scripture is essential for maintaining spiritual discernment and steadfastness.

Through the faithful teaching, application, and proclamation of Scripture, the body of Christ nurtures unity, fosters spiritual growth, and magnifies the name of Jesus Christ. Let us, therefore, continue to dwell richly in the Word of Christ, teaching and admonishing one another in love.

Conclusion: Do Everything in Jesus’ Name

In Colossians 3:17, Paul summarizes the essence of Christian living: Whatever you say or do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

When we consider the love of Christ, it prompts us to reflect on how we treat our fellow believers. Acting in the name of Jesus compels us to approach others with love and compassion, mirroring His unconditional love for us.

Likewise, the peace of Christ guides our interactions with those around us. When we act in His name, we prioritize harmony and understanding, refraining from causing strife or division.

The Word of Christ serves as our ultimate authority and guide. Teaching and admonishing others in His name means anchoring our instruction in Scripture, rather than relying on human wisdom or ideologies.

Being thankful is a natural outpouring of a life lived in the name of Jesus. Recognizing the grace we have received through Him, we approach every aspect of worship and service with gratitude and praise.

In essence, doing everything in the name of Jesus transforms our attitudes and actions. It aligns our hearts with His will and purposes, shaping us into vessels of His love, peace, and truth. So let us live each day, speaking and acting in the name of the Lord Jesus, overflowing with thankfulness for His abundant grace.