Let me tell you of a more excellent way—love.

1 Corinthians 12:31 (Voice)

Be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV)

God is eternal love and eternally loving.

According to the Apostle John, perfect love is the totality of God’s being and nature. Perfect love dwells within the Godhead and expresses itself in a self-giving relationship of complete equality and unity between the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each person in the Trinity loves, celebrates, and rejoices in each other.

The eternal community of the Trinity gives us a model and foundation for unity, community, and diversity. Only as a unity in diversity do we, both individually and corporately, affirm and demonstrate that God's love resides and resonates within us. We don't have to create unity. It is already a reality because the Spirit of God dwells in and among us. All we need to do is demonstrate the true unity we have in Christ for His glory.

We are all one in Christ. But we can allow selfishness and petty rivalries to get in the way. There is a place for principled disagreement on matters of faith. That’s why the Apostle Paul wrote all these epistles to correct the misrepresentation of the gospel. But often it is pride and offence—not doctrines or theology—that causes so much of our division. A divided church stifles the mission of God and hinders discipleship.

Love is the most excellent way to live out the truth of the gospel with each other and with those around us. If we find it difficult to do so, listen to the gospel again—and let the truth set us free. Imitate God and walk in love.