Belonging to One Another in Christ
Each member may look different, but we were designed to fit together perfectly in Christ.
Based on “Days of Heaven Upon Earth” by A.B. Simpson
Photo credit: Unsplash
A.B. Simpson reminds us that disunity within the body of Christ can disrupt our fellowship with God. We often think of communion with God as a purely vertical connection, but Scripture paints a richer picture—one where our relationships within the body directly affect our communion with the Head. The metaphor he uses is bodily health: a wound or injury anywhere in the body can affect the whole, even if the brain itself remains untouched. In the same way, a grudge, offense, or coldness toward a fellow believer can inhibit the Spirit’s flow in our lives.
Simpson’s point is simple and convicting: we cannot claim full communion with Christ if we’re resisting unity with those He indwells. This doesn’t mean forced conformity or suppressing truth for the sake of harmony, but rather embracing the reality that we belong to each other. Just as the Spirit ties us to Christ, He also knits us to one another in Him. When we allow love to flow freely to every member—especially those we’re tempted to avoid or criticize—we experience the fullness of fellowship with Christ Himself.
The spiritual principle here is stunning in its simplicity: to know Christ deeply is to love His Body sincerely.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
I dwell in you, and I also dwell in those around you who are Mine. You are one body with many members, and though you each have different gifts and roles, you belong to one another. My love cannot be compartmentalized or withheld from one member without affecting the whole. When you allow bitterness or coldness to take root, the flow of My life in you becomes constricted—not because I withhold Myself, but because you’ve turned inward where I call you outward.
As I have loved you, so you are to love one another. This is not a burdensome law, but the overflow of the life you now share with Me. You were called into one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism. I am the unity between you. If you walk by the Spirit, you will not gratify the flesh that seeks self-protection, isolation, and superiority. Rather, you will bear one another’s burdens, forgive as I have forgiven, and rejoice when others are honored.
You have been given the ministry of reconciliation—not only between God and man, but also among My people. When you choose peace over pride, mercy over memory, and love over distance, you live out the very mind of Christ who made Himself nothing for your sake. So live in harmony with one another. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Do not let the sun go down while there is distance between you, for you are not your own. You are Mine—and in Me, you are theirs too.
Romans 12:4–5, John 13:34, Ephesians 4:4–6, Galatians 5:16; 6:2, Colossians 3:13, 1 Corinthians 12:26, Philippians 2:5–7, Romans 12:10, Ephesians 4:26
Prayer of Confident Trust in Christ
Father, I thank You for placing me in Christ and binding me together with His Body. What a beautiful mystery—to belong to You is to belong to others who also call You Lord. I no longer see them merely through natural eyes, but through the eyes of the Spirit who reveals the oneness we share in Jesus.
If there has been distance or discord, I trust that You’ve already provided the grace to forgive, to yield, and to walk in unity. Your Spirit is more than able to wash away every barrier I’ve held onto. You’ve already made peace. I simply get to walk in it.
Today, I rest in the truth that fellowship with You is not an isolated experience. It’s a family meal. And I’m grateful to be seated at the table with every member You’ve called Your own.
Devotional Credit: Days of Heaven Upon Earth by A.B. Simpson
Photo Credit: Unsplash