THE UNIFIED BODY OF CHRIST

To accept someone on the surface, is simply to allow that person into our space, either physically or mentally. However, friendship is acceptance on a deeper, more emotional level, and a bond is formed between them. The essence of relationship is acceptance. In addition to what's enjoyable, we also accept our differences, weaknesses, limitations, and brokenness. The bond is not just based on our actions, but based on love.

Agape love is a powerful and selfless love. It is not only passionate, but it's also loyal and committed. It is not selfish, and by choice, agape love chooses to love without expecting anything in return. Agape love expresses the kind of love that led Christ to the cross to suffer in our place. As Christians, we are called to imitate Christ in this selfless kind of love... to love our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus also said for us to love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, then all will know that we are His disciples, because they see that bond we have for one another. Love is of God because God is love. The apostle John said that anyone who does not love, is not acquainted with God, because the root of love is God. 

As true brothers and sisters in Christ, we may not have wholehearted approval of one another. We might disagree concerning Scripture, or political views, or how to serve and honor Christ. The body of Christ has evolved into many denominations because we don't all see eye-to-eye on everything.

The apostle Paul said to welcome one who is weak in the faith, and don't criticize his opinions or pass judgment on him, just pray for one another. Through prayer, God can help us see each other through His eyes. Don't judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. Judging others is better left to God, because He is omniscient, and we can easily misjudge, based on what we think we see.

In the upper room, Jesus prayed for us to become one unified body, and that we may become one in the Godhead (Christ in us, and the Father in Him). In our diversity, we are still part of one body - the unified body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We're not going to agree on everything, but let us remain prayerful about our disagreements, and unified as Christ prayed about in the upper room, becoming a powerful witness of God before the world. Let's refuse to get sidetracked arguing over divisive matters. The thief does not come except to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus came that we may have life, and that we may have it more abundantly.

I prayed and asked the Lord what I should do about a friend whose political views are the polar opposite of mine. His response to me was this blogpost.

Colossians 3:15 (KJV) Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

To God be the glory. 

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †