“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." ~Philippians 1:27

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” ~Philippians 1:27

This verse transports me back in time to youth retreats and camp fires - sitting around the flames, holding hands and singing this chorus with one voice, for the first time, feeling the power of the Holy Spirit binding us together with love. It was exhilarating and electrifying. I’ll never forget it…the overwhelming joy that was beyond anything I could imagine. It was a glimpse into a life that walks in step with the Spirit.

We are one in the Spirit,
we are one in the Lord,
we are one in the Spirit,
we are one in the Lord,
and we pray that all unity
will one day be restored
and they'll know we are Christians
by our love, by our love,
and they'll know we are Christians
by our love.

Some days I long for that abandon, for freedom from all worries that surround us. The Lord reminds me to embrace forgiveness and grace, the fruit of the Spirit. This tune hovers in my mind, taking me back to that circle of love and unity.

“so that with one mind and one voice you might glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah.” ~Romans 15:6