9. Why does Paul compare spirit-begotten Christians to members of a body?

⁹ Read Romans 12:4, 5, 9, 10.

11. Upon what is our unity based, and what other counsel did Paul give?

¹¹ Such unity is based on love, the “perfect bond of union.” (Col. 3:14) In Romans chapter 12, Paul emphasizes this, saying that our love should be “without hypocrisy” and that “in brotherly love” we should have “tender affection for one another.” This leads to mutual respect. The apostle says: “In showing honor to one another take the lead.” Of course, we must not confuse love with sentimentality. We should do all we can to keep the congregation clean. When giving his counsel on love, Paul adds: “Abhor what is wicked, cling to what is good.”