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Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

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Chapter 4<br />

Union With Christ and Bro<strong>the</strong>rly Love<br />

One With Christ in God<br />

It is <strong>the</strong> purpose of God that His children shall blend in unity. Do <strong>the</strong>y<br />

not expect to live toge<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong> same heaven? Is Christ divided against<br />

Himself? Will He give His people success be<strong>for</strong>e <strong>the</strong>y sweep away <strong>the</strong><br />

rubbish of evil surmising and discord, be<strong>for</strong>e <strong>the</strong> laborers, with unity of<br />

purpose, devote heart and mind and strength to <strong>the</strong> work so holy in God's<br />

sight? Union brings strength; disunion, weakness. United with one ano<strong>the</strong>r,<br />

working toge<strong>the</strong>r in harmony <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> salvation of men, we shall indeed be<br />

"laborers toge<strong>the</strong>r with God." Those who refuse to work in harmony greatly<br />

dishonor God. The enemy of souls delights to see <strong>the</strong>m working at cross<br />

purposes with one ano<strong>the</strong>r. Such ones need to cultivate bro<strong>the</strong>rly love and<br />

tenderness of heart. If <strong>the</strong>y could draw aside <strong>the</strong> curtain veiling <strong>the</strong> future<br />

and see <strong>the</strong> result of <strong>the</strong>ir disunion <strong>the</strong>y would surely be led to repent.<br />

Union With Christ and One Ano<strong>the</strong>r Our Only Safety<br />

The world is looking with gratification at <strong>the</strong> disunion amongst<br />

Christians. Infidelity is well pleased. God calls <strong>for</strong> a change among His<br />

people. Union with Christ and with one ano<strong>the</strong>r is our only safety in <strong>the</strong>se<br />

last days. Let us not make it possible <strong>for</strong> Satan to point to our church<br />

members, saying: "Behold how <strong>the</strong>se people, standing under <strong>the</strong> banner of<br />

Christ, hate one ano<strong>the</strong>r. We have nothing to fear from <strong>the</strong>m while <strong>the</strong>y<br />

spend more strength fighting one ano<strong>the</strong>r than in warfare with my <strong>for</strong>ces."<br />

After <strong>the</strong> descent of <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit <strong>the</strong> disciples went <strong>for</strong>th to proclaim<br />

a risen Saviour, <strong>the</strong>ir one desire <strong>the</strong> salvation of souls. They rejoiced in <strong>the</strong><br />

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