For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love… Colossians 2:1-3 ESV
As Paul closed out what we know as Colossians chapter 1, he talked about how he struggled with all the energy that Christ worked in him. Flowing into chapter 2, he expands on his spiritual struggle for both the Colossians and the Laodiceans.
Early in this letter, we saw that Paul likely never visited Colossae himself, but was keenly aware of the local church, their faith, and the challenges they faced, thanks to reports from Epaphras. While scripture doesn’t specifically state who founded and pastored the church in Colossae or Laodicea, it is generally thought to be Epaphras. Paul called him his beloved fellow servant and noted that the Colossians learned the gospel from him (Col. 1:6-7). Laodicea’s close proximity to Colossae, and Paul’s reference to the church here, makes Epaphras a natural candidate to have shared the gospel and preached there as well.
Paul says his desire was that believers’ hearts may be encouraged. Again, we see the love and care he shared for the whole Church without any hint of detachment. And his desire was that this encouragement came through being knit together in love.
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of unity in Christ’s Church, but that’s often easier said than done. Today, many churches are more defined by their differences than by what they have in common. Small doctrinal disagreements often lead to splits and divisions, and the enemy certainly uses this to weaken the Church’s effectiveness in spreading the gospel.
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he strongly emphasized the importance that believers live in unity: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Eph 4:1-6)
This unity is not about sameness or uniformity, but about remaining together as a collective body and committed to the true gospel of Christ, despite minor disagreements.
Paul illustrated this in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, starting with: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”
Jesus himself prayed for this unity in John 17:21: “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
Of course, there is only one truth, and ultimately, only one correct interpretation of it. But as believers, we should be careful not to fixate on what divides us. I’ve learned firsthand that what I believe today might not be what I believe tomorrow. Over the years, I’ve had to change my views on certain doctrines I once held dear. Some things I used to argue against, I now defend—and vice versa. It’s humbling, and sometimes even frustrating, but every time it happens, it brings growth. That’s why it’s so important to stay humble when we study God’s Word. If we think we know everything, we can learn nothing.
Yet, we must never forsake the foundation of our faith. There are many false teachers out there and countless wolves in churches who are only there to sow lies, discord, and perverted doctrines. Many stand at the pulpit each week. Paul’s message should not be understood that we are to accept such things in the name of unity. Many of Paul’s letters dealt severely with these teachings because they hurt the Church so badly. Instead, our foundation must always come from scripture and the inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit, not solely from man’s interpretation or a religious system.
But when it comes to minor issues, where scripture is less clear or the disagreement doesn’t impact salvation, let’s be careful not to let division destroy friendships or hinder fellowship in ministry (see Rom. 14:5-10, 1 Cor 1:10-13). Instead, let’s focus on what we do agree on, and when we discuss differences, let’s do so with humility, grace and love.
Take the time to study scripture and truly understand why you believe what you believe (see 1 Peter 3:15). Don’t base your theology on a commentary, devotional, or your favorite preacher’s sermons. Know God’s word for yourself. Be gentle with believers who see things differently, and when someone presents a different perspective—one that’s rooted in scripture and shared with humility—be willing to listen. You never know… God might use the opportunity to open your eyes to a truth that could transform your walk with Him.