On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and them to the circumcised. 

Galatians 2:7-9 (ESV)

Even if we belong to or minister in various Christian groups or communities, it is important to establish relationships with other believers, as the Apostle Paul demonstrated when he recounted his friendship with Peter, James, and John.

Paul makes it clear that there is just one gospel, not a separate one for Jews and Gentiles (cf. Romans 10:12). In some church scenes, however, the gospel has faded into the background of particular theological interests, leaving many Christians spiritually anaemic and losing their spiritual vitality. If we continue to set ourselves apart from one another by our distinctive dogmas and doctrines, we run the risk of losing the gospel that brings us together to God.

As members of the same body of Christ, there is no rivalry or competition in the Kingdom. Given that we are already one in Christ and His gospel, we ought to rest in God’s grace to do everything we can to manifest and maintain this unity in an unbelieving world. Empire building is the opposite of Kingdom building. This occurs when we are prepared to expand the size and scope of our ministry, even at the expense of hurting or stumbling other fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Can we “win” if others must “lose”?

We who are strong must be considerate of weaker or less gifted churches and find ways of coming alongside to encourage them.

Paul and Peter both acknowledged the other's vocation and ministry because the oneness of their faith attests to the truth and purity of the gospel. We can learn from these apostles how to extend the right hand of fellowship to one another. Because God has lavished His grace on every one of us to spread the gospel to every nation on earth, let us grow in mutual trust and support, appreciation and acceptance of other Christians and churches that are faithfully serving our city.