“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13: 34
We are all unique. We are all distinct. We are all different. Yet, God desires for us to live in unity. Does this seem easy to you? Today, there is incredible animosity in the world. One ethnic group despising another. One family member hating another. One neighbor feuding against another.
From siblings to CEOs – unity does not come naturally. Just look at a toddler. The first words learnt are ‘NO’ and ‘MINE.’ If Christ’s desire was for harmony, where does all this hatred come from? Sin. Let’s go back to the beginning in Genesis 3. Sin poisoned the world separating man from God. The result? Hatred and disunity.
Jesus says to His followers, to the Church, I want you to be different. I want you to love one another, just as I have loved you. You are different. You are all unique in the body of Christ, but love one another. Then, when others look at you, they will see God. When the church is united amid it’s diversity, it becomes a reflection of the One True God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all in one.
Take a look at your life. Are you reflecting the unity in diversity of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? In what areas are you lacking unity with other believers? Ask God for help overcoming any animosity towards others. Ask Him to help you be a force for unity amidst the diversity of Christ’s church.
Taken from a sermon by George Wright, Senior Pastor, Cedarcrest Church
