Love That Binds

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.
Colossians 3:14-16 NIV

Sadly, the Church has often not been represented by unity. Many denominations have experienced schisms causing many people to feel hurt and even perhaps betrayed. Congregations have split and continued with varying degrees of animosity between the two factions. This is clearly not what the apostle Paul or Jesus had in mind. Above all, live in love with one another is their message. Live in peace with your brothers and sisters in Christ is their teaching. The imagery of the body of Christ makes it clear that division is not God's plan. A body wrenched apart will likely die. Divisions do not occur when we are loving and peaceful.  They occur when we are selfish, egotistical, envious, angry, self-righteous and unkind.

I pray that God will help me to keep my ego in check.  I pray that He will open my eyes to the gifts that He has given the other members of his body. I pray that He will keep our churches whole, and that He will give them godly leaders and parishioners who will humbly listen to the teachings of the Bible. Our unity will be a powerful witness to a broken world.