Journey In His Presence - Unity - Part 2
Writer Author Yvonne Mullen
Christian Column
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Devotionals
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UNITY in the body of Christ,
an unattainable goal or a reality for a Christ focused church?
When I started looking in my Bible (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for Scriptures on unity, the first one that was listed was this one from
Psalm 133:1,
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."
Strong's definition of brethren is, "Brother, especially an immediate relative, but also any fellowman, countryman, companion."
Isaiah 41:6-7 has a wider usage of brethren
"Everyone helped his neighbor, and said to his brother, 'Be of good courage!' So the craftsman encouraged the goldsmith: he who smooths with the hammer inspired him who strikes the anvil, saying 'It is ready for the soldering", then he fastened it with the pegs that it might not totter."
This verse inspires me to believe that we are to be working together for the good of the Kingdom. And build on the solid Rock of our foundation, Jesus Christ.
In Genesis 13:8, we find more inspiration on the spirit of unity.
"So Abram said to Lot 'Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren."
Not only is there to be peace between families but workers as well. The ultimate verse I found was from
Hebrews 13:1,
"Let brotherly love continue."
So if all these Scriptures are found in the Bible, which is our book of God's truth, don't you think that God wants us to obey these words? God desires these things in His church. God's Word rings in our ears, but do we listen? God desires for us to live together in unity, not to be at each others throats, not interpreting differing church doctrines, not interpreting His Word to suit our needs. But to be united as one.
As the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one, we are to be as one. As the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three, we are to be diverse. Unity with diversity-Wow what a concept. Amazing how God always has a plan and it's right in front of our noses-His Word! Don't leave home without it! Ever!
Now how do we live in unity and diversity? Three components come to my mind-love, forgiveness and compassion. Jesus had all three of these when He walked the earth for 33 years. Love, Jesus had unconditional love, first for His Father then for man. He showed that love to all He came in contact with. Compassion, Jesus had compassion, so much that He healed many- but He always met people where they were first. Forgiveness, Jesus died a death so terrible that we could ever imagine for the forgiveness of our sins. Then He asks the Father to
"forgive them, for they do not know what they do."
Luke 23:34a
Therefore as followers of Christ and all that He taught us, should we not do the same?
We need to meet each other where we are. Then with love, compassion and forgiveness witness to each other and to the nonbelievers. Walk a mile in someone else's shoes. Take the time to get to know one another. See them through Jesus' eyes. Don't join in the majority and feed into the negativity-dare to be different. Dare to be more like Jesus. Open your eyes to others needs. Open your hearts to love, compassion and forgiveness.
My prayer for today,is, "Lord God, help us to be more like You. Help us to meet people where they are with love, compassion and forgiveness. Teach us to walk in unity with diversity. To You be all the glory and honor forever. Amen!"
In His Unending Love
Your Sister In Christ,
Yvonne
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