Knit Together

Even though Paul had never met church members at Colossae or in the neighboring city of Laodicea, he wanted them to know how much he loved them and how invested he was in their happiness. “I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you,” he wrote, ” and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh” (Colossians 2:1).

Then, he shared his hopes for them:

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2:2-3

I see three things Paul hoped church members were experiencing:

1. Hearts comforted (parakaleó) – Having people nearby who encourage them as they go through difficulties
2. Hearts knit together (sumbibazó) – An intertwining of their lives as they worked together and cared about what was happening to each other
3. The full assurance of understanding (sunesis) – A comprehensive knowledge of God as they grew closer to Him.

In the Book of Mormon, Alma expressed a similar set of wishes for members of the church he organized at the waters of Mormon:

He commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.

Mosiah 18:21

Both Paul and Alma wanted church members to form a tight-knit community of believers, so that they could strengthen one another emotionally and help each other grow in knowledge. They wanted them to spend time with each other and to care about one another’s happiness.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we often call our local congregation a “ward family.” Like a family, we become close to people as we worship and serve together. Also, like a family, we can be tempted to criticize or become offended by fellow church members. But as President Henry B. Eyring has taught, when we seek and follow revelation from God, when we humble ourselves, and when we intentionally speak well of each other, our unity grows. (See “Our Hearts Knit as One,” General Conference, October 2008.)

Today, I will strive for increased unity with members of my congregation. I will recommit to spend time with fellow church members, encouraging them in their challenges and learning together about the gospel, with our hearts “knit together in love.”