All in together

Every society wants it, every generation believes they can have it, and politicians always promise in it their campaigns. Unity.

Unity and working together can seem elusive, unobtainable and  short-lived, in homes, societies, and the world. Churches on paper shouldn’t work with so many people from varying cultural backgrounds, differing stories, different ages, varying lengths of following the Lord, some poor, others wealthy and successful etc. But as unlikely as it seems, unity is  Jesus’ desire and when we become what he says we are and put it into practice, it’s the most beautiful, wonderful, powerful, transforming   community on earth! What a joy to be part of it: a touch of heaven on earth. How can we realise this more? Well, Jesus simply gave a simple answer - A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”.  John 13: 34 & 35

It may seem strange that the Lord would desire something that seems unrealistic, let alone set His reputation on a characteristic such as shared love. But like His many commands, it’s only through His power that we’re able to obey and live out the reality of His Word.

Maybe we can push ourselves to achieve casual acceptance of one  another, but Jesus desires for His Body to do more than plaster smiles on our faces and get along on a superficial level. Jesus is more than able to help us work toward this level of unity with a joyful heart, including unity with those we tolerate, those we find annoying, those we try to avoid, those we think are always overstepping our boundaries, and even those we feel exhaust our reserves of patience!