Oneness

Aim: To be more fully integrated into Christ, and His Church.

Why God values oneness so much: because it reflects the blessed Trinity, and because it attracts His yet-lost ones.

Exegesis: Three realms of glorious oneness: the home—as a haven of grace (v. 7); the Church—as a family of blessing (vv. 8-9); the heart—as a prize of repentance (vv. 10-12).

Further application: How to achieve divine oneness: first, be firmly rooted in Jesus; then, be gently forbearing with God's people.

Key verse: v. 8 ''Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous...''