There waa a gentleman who would ask me on occassion why couldn't Christians just get along? What a great question. There must be some days that Jesus shakes His head and sighs and says what were they thinking? He told us to love one another as He loved us. Yet, there is strife in the church in most places that you look making us look bad before the world. This strife is nothing new. Paul and Barnabas had a falling out over Mark. Two dear saints could not get along with one another and Paul encouraged others to work for their reconcilliation. Some would fall away from the ministry and walk away from the apostles.
Today the church is divided over style of worship, style of dress, style of ministry, Bible version, women in the pastorate, ad nauseum. Why cannot we just get along? The LORD's table is big enough for variety, diversity, and differing opinions. Do we really believe that our opinion is infallible and everyone else is wrong? Does it always have to be our way? Are we the only one's that have all the answers? The answer must be yes because of the way we act towards one another. It's either my way or the highway. (This might explain some of the church hopping going on today.)
Jesus gave us the answer to strife-love one another as He loves us. What does that mean for the church today? First, recognize that love is always a choice. Second, we are to serve one another. Third, we are to break bread together. Finally, ask the LORD to show you what you have been forgiven of thus far and your view of others in the Body of Christ will change. In this moment of spiritual clairty humility rises up because you have come face to face with the depravity of your own heart. With this new sense of humitlity it is easier to love others, serve them, and fellowship with them.
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