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First of all, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved. 1 Cor. 11:18 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction. My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 1 Cor. 1:10 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Rom. 12:17 Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God. Rom. 15:5 Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. 1 Pt. 3: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil. 2:1
Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love
as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult
with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may
inherit a blessing. 1 Pt. 3:8 What better image could be found to describe our situation today than "a house divided". Everywhere you look, be it in religion, politics, or society in general the voices of acrimony are heard rising up among the people. In Mark 3:25, and parallel in Matthew 12:25 and Luke 11:17, Jesus uses this image in response to his being accused of causing divisions by his teaching. But in his defence he uncovers the real author of division, the undivided Evil One, the Accuser . . . the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God." Rev. 12:10 While the real author of division is exposed by Jesus, our complicity in its work of division must also be discerned and addressed. The texts quoted above indicate how the first generation of the Church is being called to address their complicity, their sins of division. This is no less necessary for our generation. As we reflect on our calling to share in the mission of evangelization we must carefully examine the condition and character of our work - are we actually building or dividing? When it comes to divisions, we must not underestimate their complexity and the harm they do; yet at the same time we must not underestimate the power of the reconciling love found in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the tools we are given to work with. The work of unifying begins first in our own house, indeed in each one's heart. Now with this healing grace at work in us we can be more effective builders of unity in the wider communities. Church community and evangelization will always be our calling. How we carry it out will be a learning process for each generation. But it will always be a work love, unity and healing. One last thought; the opening verse of Psalm 127 begins with this wisdom: Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Lets us never forget that we are the labourers, the Lord is the Architect. Father, I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the Evil One. John 17:  Repairs are underway, now we need workers |
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