Think of an example in your life or in the world that you would characterize by the words “holy and united.” Maybe there’s a person who comes to mind (…Jesus?! Always a right answer at church!). Maybe you’re in a small group that fits those words, or perhaps church springs up. Or maybe nothing comes to mind. In our cultural climate, instances of “holy and united” seem few and far between.
Throughout Scripture, God is pretty clear that his people are set apart; they’re different than the world. His people are also called to be united – united in forgiveness, love and peace. A misconception in our world is that to be united we need to be the same. We need to be of the same mind, same beliefs, same agendas. Unity in Christ does not equate to uniformity in Christ. For those who like a simple equation, unity ≠ uniformity.
Instead, as Paul writes to this early church in Colossae, he reminds them that they might get offended by a brother or sister in Christ. It was a reality of their world then and it’s certainly a reality of our world today. Because they aren’t exactly the same, there will be differences of opinion. He encourages them to “make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you.” Why? Because the Lord forgave you.
I’m fond of saying that when we’re offended, we stop listening. Instead of being offended, what might happen if we were curious first? Rather than standing on the defensive, putting up walls when we hear or see something that could be upsetting, what if we asked questions that began with “Help me understand …”?
God chose you to be the holy (set apart) ones he loves. What does that look like? It looks like unity – a united body on the move characterized by mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, love and peace. A people who stand united and curious, actively working toward peace and love.
Prayer
Lord, show me the places where I could be more curious than offended. Build me up in more forgiveness and love. Let my light shine as a peacemaker in your Kingdom, standing united with my brothers and sisters. Fill me with more of you today. Amen.