Thank you for downloading this devotional from Truth Matters Church at truthmatterschurch.org. I'm Associate Pastor Jeremy, and today's devotional is titled, Knit Together in Love, from our series in Colossians. In Colossians 2, verses 1-2, the Apostle Paul wrote, As Paul closed out what we know as Colossians 1, he talked about how he struggled with all the energy that Christ worked in him. Flowing into chapter 2, he expands on his spiritual struggle for both the Colossians and the Laodiceans. Earlier in this letter, we saw that Paul likely never visited Colossae himself, but was keenly aware of the local church, their faith, and the challenges that they faced, thanks to reports from Epaphras. While scripture doesn't specifically state who founded and pastored the church in Colossae or Laodicea for that matter, it is generally thought to be Epaphras. Paul called him his beloved fellow servant and noted that the Colossians learned the gospel from him in Colossians 1 verses 6-7. Laodicea's close proximity to Colossae, and Paul's reference to the church here, makes Epaphras a natural candidate to have shared the gospel and to have preached there as well. Paul says that his desire was that believers' hearts may be encouraged. Again, we see the love and care he shared for the whole church at large without any hint of detachment. And his desire was that this encouragement came through being knit together in love. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of unity in Christ's Church, but that's often easier said than done. Today, many churches are defined more by their differences than by what they have in common. Small doctrinal disagreements often lead to church splits and divisions, and the Enemy certainly uses this to weaken the Church's effectiveness in spreading the Gospel. In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he strongly emphasized the importance that believers live in unity. He wrote in Ephesians 4 verses 1-6, I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one Body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Now note that this unity is not about sameness or uniformity, but about remaining together as a collective body and committed to the true gospel of Christ despite our minor disagreements. Paul illustrated this in 1 Corinthians 12 verses 12 to 27, starting with, for just as the body is one and has many members and all the members of the body, though many are one body, so it is with Christ. Jesus himself prayed for this church unity in John 17 verse 21, that they may all be one just as you father are in me and I in you that they may also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Of course, there is only one truth, and ultimately only one correct interpretation of it. But as believers, we should be careful not to fixate on what divides us. I've learned firsthand that what I believe today might not be what I believe tomorrow. Over the years, I've had to change my views on certain doctrines that I once held dear. Some things I used to argue against, I now defend, and vice versa. It's humbling and sometimes even frustrating, but every time it happens, it brings growth. And that's why it's so important to stay humble when we study God's Word. If we think we know everything, we can learn nothing. Yet we must never forsake the foundation of our faith. There are many false teachers out there and countless wolves in the churches who are only there to sow lies, discord, and perverted doctrines. Many of these stand at the pulpit each week. Paul's message here should not be understood that we are to accept such things in the name of unity and peace. Many of Paul's letters dealt severely with these teachings because they hurt the Church so badly. Instead, our foundation must always come from Scripture and the inspiration of God's Holy Spirit, not solely from man's interpretation or a religious system. But, when it comes to minor issues where Scripture is less clear or the disagreement doesn't impact salvation, let's be careful not to let division destroy friendships or hinder fellowship and ministry. See Romans 14 verses 5-10 and 1 Corinthians 1 verses 10-13. Instead, let's focus on what we do agree on, and when we discuss our differences, let's do so with humility, grace, and love. Take the time to study Scripture and truly understand why you believe what you believe. Reference 1 Peter 3 verse 15. Don't base all your theology on a commentary, devotional, or your favorite pastor's sermons. Know God's Word for yourself. Be gentle with other believers who see things differently. And when someone presents a different perspective, one that's rooted in Scripture and shared with humility, be willing to listen. You never know, God might use the opportunity to open your eyes to a truth that could transform your walk with Him. Thanks so much for listening to this devotional from Truth Matters Church. We encourage you to subscribe to these devotionals as a podcast on YouTube, Sermon Audio, and Apple. And you can find many more on our website, truthmatterschurch.org. Have a blessed day.