Pastor's Desk
January 15 , 2006
GOD HAS CREATED us to live life together with other human beings and to work together with others for a common purpose. However in Western society there has been a strong move towards individualism. There is a tendency for people to become more and more alienated from one another. They have the illusion of self-sufficiency and self-contained living. For many this has taken place because they have been hurt by those who should have loved them. They naturally do not want to feel that emotional pain again so they withdraw and are unable to share life meaningfully with other human beings.
However in Christ there is a wonderful opportunity to experience love again—first of all from God and then from those who are God’s children—those who have received forgiveness of their sins through Jesus. We are encouraged in the scriptures to live life together and to work together: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrew 10:24-25) We should not be quick to give up on each other even if we experience less than fulfilling moments in Christian community. Rather as the apostle Paul says, “…as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14)
The devil wants to alienate people from each other and destroy authentic community but Jesus wants us to live and work together in harmony. On the night before he was crucified he prayed to his heavenly Father, “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:23) And when he died and was raised again he created the environment in which that unity could be and would be fulfilled. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:13-14) I encourage you to step into what he has provided. Who knows? You may find that God has given you some very wonderful brothers and sisters with whom he wants you to enjoy life together.
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Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
through the bond of peace.
(Ephesians 4:2-3)
This page was last updated on Friday, January 13, 2006