For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Col 2:1–10)
Paul's prayer in Colossians 2 extends beyond the known believers to the new additions to the Colossian church who may not have met him. His earnest desire is for these new believers to come to a complete knowledge of the gospel. To achieve this, Paul focuses on the importance of being rooted and grounded in love. By doing so, these believers will experience the fullness of the gospel, resulting in a complete understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ."
While the signs and wonders performed by Jesus and the apostles in the New Testament are undoubtedly powerful and significant, it is important to note that they are not the only or even the primary evidence of a mature or spiritually healthy church. Jesus warned against seeking after signs and wonders as the direct evidence of faith or spiritual maturity.
In Matthew 12:38-39, the religious leaders of Jesus' time demanded a sign from him, but Jesus responded, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." Similarly, in John 4:48, Jesus rebuked those who sought after signs and wonders, saying, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe."
Instead of focusing solely on signs and wonders, the New Testament emphasizes the importance of love, unity, and spiritual fruit as evidence of a mature and healthy church. In Galatians 5:22-23, for example, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Similarly, in John 13:34-35, Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
While signs and wonders can undoubtedly be a part of the life of a spiritually healthy church, they should never be the sole or primary evidence of faith or maturity. Love, unity, and spiritual fruit are the actual markers of a mature and healthy church.
If you can find a church where love is consistently demonstrated as defined by First Corinthians 13 - patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeping no record of wrongs, rejoicing in truth, always protecting, trusting, hoping, and persevering - then you have found the church where Christ dwells among His people. For it is in a community that lives out the selfless, sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus that the presence and power of God are most fully realized.
As we examine the New Testament, it becomes clear that while signs and wonders may be evidence of God's activity among us, they should not be our primary concern. Instead, the evidence that God is truly among us and present in us is demonstrated by our unity, which is bound with God's love. This is why Paul's prayer for new believers is that their hearts would be knitted together in love, indicating that love and unity are essential for spiritual growth and maturity.
In all New Testament writings, we are encouraged to prioritize love, unity, and spiritual fruit in our lives and church community by intentionally seeking to develop and cultivate these qualities. This can involve taking practical steps such as regularly engaging in acts of service and kindness, intentionally seeking to forgive and reconcile with others, and prioritizing prayer and reflection.
Additionally, we can work to cultivate love and unity in our church community by fostering an environment of openness, honesty, and vulnerability, where individuals feel safe to share their struggles and receive support and encouragement from others. We can also prioritize intentionally building relationships with those who may be different from us, recognizing that our diversity can be a strength and a means for growth and learning.
Ultimately, as we seek to live out Paul's prayer for new believers’ “hearts to be knitted together in love,” we can trust that God's love will empower us to experience the gospel’s fullness and grow in spiritual maturity and fruitfulness.
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