One

“Believers are never told to become one; we already are one and are expected to act like it.”

- Joni Earekson Tada

A few years ago, we did a sermon series Seriously, which laid out the mission and values of our church. If you were with us and part of a Table Group, you’ll remember we talked about Convictions (something you would die for), Beliefs (you wouldn’t die, but you would fight for), and Opinions (you could be wrong - it’s just your opinion).

It troubles me when I look back over the last few years and see how we, as followers of Christ, have failed to show love to one another. Topics that should have been opinions (discussed in person in relationship), have been posted on social media as convictions and beliefs with imaginary enemies. Christians have used Scripture on posters and screamed from protest lines in front of media cameras. What a “great” example we have been! Why would a nonbeliever want to be a follower of Christ, watching how we treat one another?

As Pastor Jared shared this weekend, the Holy Spirit lives in us, you and me! Evidence of the presence of God is having oneness and unity! While we may have differing opinions about masks or vaccines, politics, or ___________, we still have the responsibility to “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) That doesn’t mean convincing others that our way is the right way to believe, unless their argument directly contradicts Scripture. Wait for the invitation before discussing sensitive topics, and respect the other person’s desire not to engage in why your opinion/belief is right.

I’ve found myself singing this chorus from the 70’s and early 80’s this week. The words are:

We Are One In The Bond Of Love.

We Have Joined Our Spirit

With The Spirit of God

We Are One In The Bond Of Love.

Let Us Praise Jesus Christ The Son

Praise Him Now For The Work Begun

Let Us Join Our Hands

That The World May Know

We Are One In The Bond Of Love.

How would our world begin to change if we went above and beyond to show the Holy Spirit in us?

It means being in the “messy middle” with people, not having to be “right for the sake of winning,” but respecting that we can have different ways of seeing the world. Take some time today and look at the places in Scripture commonly referred to as “the one anothers”. Following are those that address unity in the church:

Be at peace with one another (Mark 9:50).

Don’t grumble among one another (John 6:43).

Be of the same mind with one another (Romans 12:16, 15:5).

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you  (Romans 15:7).

Don’t bite, devour, and consume one another (Galatians 5:15).

Don’t boastfully challenge or envy one another (Galatians 5:26).

Gently, patiently tolerate one another (Ephesians 4:2).

Be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving to one another (Ephesians 4:32).

Bear with and forgive one another (Colossians 3:13).

Seek good for one another, and don’t repay evil for evil (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

Don’t complain against one another (James 4:11, 5:9).

Confess sins to one another (James 5:16).

Jesus commands us to love one another (John 13:34). I know I can do better to tap into the Holy Spirit in me. Let’s commit this next week to bearing the fruit of the Spirit:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control (Galatians 5:22).

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you (2 Cor 13:11).

When we bear fruit, we are choosing unity by listening to the Holy Spirit in us! Let us begin to tear down the walls that divide us as followers of Christ!

I have never yet known the Spirit of God to work where the Lord's people were divided.

- Dwight L. Moody

Pastor Pam

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