Observation: I read a lot of buzz words here. Unity of spirit, love for one another, a tender heart, a humble mind. At first it just seems like platitudes: the kind of things Christians are supposed to say but rarely mean. But to the readers of this letter, let's remember, this was more than just singing "Kum ba yah" by the campfire. These are values that held a community together when they were giving up their lives for their faith.
Application: Just last week, much of the church observed the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity." Honestly, it wasn't much on my radar. Churches working together and worshiping together across denominational lines isn't as revolutionary of a concept as it used to be. These days what concerns me is less how people in different congregations relate, than people within congregations.
Ever since before I was ordained, my vision for the church has been roughly the same: a community where the different labels we place on one another--race, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, national citizenship--are all secondary to our identity together as disciples of Jesus. We love each other, and heal the world, because of who we are in Christ.
I think that viewpoint has fallen out of vogue somewhat in recent years. There are many voices telling us that to embrace those with a different worldview is to compromise our own principles. Mind you, it is understandable that if you are in a place where people's basic values consist in not accepting who you are as a child of God, then unity is not possible. But if your concern is you might be challenged--changed, even--by attending church and hearing a viewpoint you may disagree with, then maybe you need to ask if God is calling you to this place for that very reason. Maybe God needs your voice in the conversation. Maybe your neighbor could be blessed by your witness, even if it's not what they expect to hear. Maybe the story of your ability to worship together, despite your differences, can be balm for a deeply wounded world. Maybe "unity of spirit," a "tender heart" and "a humble mind" can be more than platitudes if we show a little courage in Christ, and show up, not just for ourselves, but for each other.
Prayer: God, our world scoffs at the peace you offer. Help us to accept it gratefully, as the gift it is, and offer it to the world. Amen.
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