Unity: A reflection of God
Psalm 133
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron‘s beard, down upon the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
Ephesians 4:1-4
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the Calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.
God loves for his people to be at peace and to live in unity with each other. We are told in Acts 2 that the Lord was adding to his church daily, those who were being saved. The apostle Paul says this is living a life worthy of the Calling we have received. He didn’t advise that this begins before being humble, being gentle and patient, by putting up with each other when it is hard to do so. Notice that our job is to make every effort to keep the unity that God has given us. When people are saved by the blood of Jesus, they are united in Christ and with each other. It is our job to maintain it.
We do not create unity. We do not negotiate unity. We do not write the rules for unity. It is not based on any person’s understanding; it is given to us by God. Our job is to make every effort to keep it going. We were saved by grace, not because we were deserving of it or because we had everything all figured out. So, as the saved, we offer grace to others as we all work to understand the word of God alike.
James says that the wisdom from above is first of all pure and then it is peace, loving. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. Jesus said: blessed are the pure in heart, and then, blessed are the peacemakers. One of the biggest obstacles to God‘s people being at peace is when we decide, based on our personal understanding, the rules for peace. In other words, we can be at peace as long as you agree with me on what I consider important. This sounds a lot like the attitudes of the Pharisees, whom Jesus often rebuked. Our peace is in Christ.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Prayer
Oh Lord God open my eyes to see your wisdom. Help me to be at peace with others, especially those with whom I disagree. Teach me to disagree without being disagreeable. I know that your word is infallible, but I need to be reminded that my understanding is not always right. Help me grow learn more and to be more in line with your truth in all things be with those who are hurting, and those who are struggling with things that seem to be in some multiple. In Jesus’ name I Pray.
Amen.
Written by Gregory Harewood
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron‘s beard, down upon the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
Ephesians 4:1-4
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the Calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.
God loves for his people to be at peace and to live in unity with each other. We are told in Acts 2 that the Lord was adding to his church daily, those who were being saved. The apostle Paul says this is living a life worthy of the Calling we have received. He didn’t advise that this begins before being humble, being gentle and patient, by putting up with each other when it is hard to do so. Notice that our job is to make every effort to keep the unity that God has given us. When people are saved by the blood of Jesus, they are united in Christ and with each other. It is our job to maintain it.
We do not create unity. We do not negotiate unity. We do not write the rules for unity. It is not based on any person’s understanding; it is given to us by God. Our job is to make every effort to keep it going. We were saved by grace, not because we were deserving of it or because we had everything all figured out. So, as the saved, we offer grace to others as we all work to understand the word of God alike.
James says that the wisdom from above is first of all pure and then it is peace, loving. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. Jesus said: blessed are the pure in heart, and then, blessed are the peacemakers. One of the biggest obstacles to God‘s people being at peace is when we decide, based on our personal understanding, the rules for peace. In other words, we can be at peace as long as you agree with me on what I consider important. This sounds a lot like the attitudes of the Pharisees, whom Jesus often rebuked. Our peace is in Christ.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Prayer
Oh Lord God open my eyes to see your wisdom. Help me to be at peace with others, especially those with whom I disagree. Teach me to disagree without being disagreeable. I know that your word is infallible, but I need to be reminded that my understanding is not always right. Help me grow learn more and to be more in line with your truth in all things be with those who are hurting, and those who are struggling with things that seem to be in some multiple. In Jesus’ name I Pray.
Amen.
Written by Gregory Harewood
Posted in Mid-Week Devotional
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