The United States was founded on the ideal of “unity,” the goal of “forming a more perfect union.” Whether that was intended to be a sort of “melting pot,” a metaphor for a society where different peoples blend into one, or a more multicultural cultural society, the idea was to unite and live in peace. Unfortunately, we see a lot of passionate, even violent, disunity in this nation. The political, cultural, and moral divisions have become polarizing, and some say America is broken. Others say that if you look beyond the headlines, you will find more that unites us than divides us. One thing we seem to all agree on is that there is a lot of dysfunction and not a lot of peace. Unity is key to building a nation, living in a peaceful society, running a successful organization, and functioning as a healthy, effective church.
The Christian church is only effective when there is unity through a bond of peace from Christians who are humble, gentle, kind, patient and loving. In the Apostle Paul’s writings, we find the first century Corinthian church as a model of how not to have peace. In 1 Corinthians 11:17-22, Paul confronts the church. Members were in the habit of having a “love feast,” followed by Communion. Those who brought food gorged themselves and became drunk, leaving the poorer believers hungry. The gluttons dishonored the Lord and hurt their fellow believers, causing resentment and conflict. The Corinthians’ disharmony was evident in many ways, but the root cause was the same: selfishness. Instead, Paul teaches us “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1b-3).
We are most useful as a church when Christians manifest a selfless love and encouraging spirit. If we don’t have peace among ourselves, why would unbelievers look to us to find peace with God? Peace comes from selflessness, the primary characteristic of Christian love. It was God’s selfless act of sending His Son to the cross, and Christ’s sacrificial love for us, that allows us to claim His unmerited grace and mercy. God’s love for us, His gracious gift of salvation, the hope of Christ’s return and eternity in Heaven with Him—these are the things that unite us. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). We cannot let our minor differences and debates on theology, style, or approach become a barrier to those seeking to find unity among the family of God.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:12-15
Personal Application: Does the peace of Christ rule in your heart? Do you bring a spirit of unity and a heart of compassion to your church and your family? If we are to truly be Christ-like in our attitudes, we must humble ourselves, put on love, and focus on the needs of others. Meditate on 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a and ask the Lord how He would have you live out this perfect bond of unity with those around you.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5