Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT).
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.
Paul’s appeal to the Corinthians from two thousand years ago could not be more appropriate in the world we face today. I have dear friends on both sides of virtually every issue we read about in large bold type or hear agitated commentators heatedly express. It is a sad but very human thing that we allow ourselves to be divided by loud voices and emotionally charged topics.
The things we see and hear can trigger us, and we need to be aware of our reaction. The Corinthians divided themselves according to different evangelists who had won their approval. Paul says who brought the word is not important, what is important is The Word, Jesus Christ who came to save us. Unless we accept Him as our Savior and live as He taught, we have no hope.
I have a feeling if we approached Jesus about the issues that divide us, He would shake His head sadly and instead of discussing the subject, He would ask “how are you caring for those that disagree with you?” God’s children are the most important thing to Jesus, not human created politics or economics. His only concern is that we humble ourselves before God and ask forgiveness for the times we let temporary issues separate us from Him and each other.
Loving Lord, You gave us free will that we might choose You, not as a weapon to harm others. Help us to see others as brothers and sisters to be loved, not adversaries to be defeated. Amen.
