Paul repeatedly writes about koinonia, a Greek word meaning unity, partnership, or togetherness with one another. When we love the brothers and sisters in our local church, it shows that we really are followers of Jesus. But our unity is under threat by opposition from outside the church (Philippians 1:28). But like faith itself, suffering for Christ is a gift from God (Philippians 1:29). It makes us more like Jesus, and proves that we are “co-heirs” with him (Romans 8:17).

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