Word of the Week - Atmosphere of Unity

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” 1 Peter 3:8

Atmosphere creates the environment for Unity – Given the tragic and unjust death of George Floyd and the ensuing riots and protest, we are in desperate need of Unity in our country and world at large.  The current environment is toxic and filled with anger, contempt and disunity.  I was encouraged and reminded today by Pastor Larry Stockstill https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/the-royal-life that our Lord is the author of Unity and He uses us His people to usher in the spirit of Unity.  It starts with humbling ourselves and taking the first step to build an atmosphere that fosters Unity by:Honoring Others:  The Lord makes it clear in His word that we are to honor all and look past their issues and see them as a children of God.  “You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor”  James 3:18  This is “hard word” but it is what foster an atmosphere for healing and Unity.Unity of Mind:  We must be open to “seek to understand” and listen to others in regards to their thoughts and ideas so we can work to understand and have Unity of mind where others thoughts plus my thoughts equals our thoughts and a place of Unity.  We should always be seeking feedback and others perspectives to find the best path forward.  “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you work to agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in mind and thought.” 1 Corinthians 1:10Sympathizing with others: Until we walk in others shoes we really don’t know what it feels like to be them; therefore, we should work to empathize and feel the pain of others so we can truly relate with what they are feeling.  This give us a heart towards others.   “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” 5 Galatians 6:2Fostering Brotherly Love :  If you believe in God as our creator then you understand that all humans come from the same origins and thus no matter your skin color or ethnicity, we are all brothers and sisters and should embrace our diversity as a gift to be celebrated.  “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” Galatians 3:28Maintaining a Tender Heart:  It is most important that we keep our hearts tender and do not allow our hearts to be hardened.  No matter how much pain or disappointment we experience, we must remain open to “Loving God and Loving others”.  The only way I know to keep our hearts tender and open is to stay connected to the vine of Christ through abiding in Christ daily John 15:5.   “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32Humbling Ourselves:  It starts with us thinking of ourselves less and thinking more about others.  No matter our nationality, giftings or social economic status we should never think of ourselves as superior to others.  We are all created equal in God’s eyes as human beings.  We are all children of God and each and every person has an eternal soul.  “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Romans 12:3Forgiving Others and staying faithful in Worship:  The Lord’s spirit of forgiveness/reconciliation is powerful and healing begins with us freely offering forgiveness as we have been forgiven.  Worshiping the Lord ushers in the Holy Spirit, which gives us the power to humble ourselves, forgive others and love God and all His people.  “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13Benefits of Unity:  “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard,running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon  were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133Healing in our nation will come through humility.  “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” 2 Chronicles 7:13-14Lord, I pray for Unity and Healing in our World in the name of Jesus. -Duane