Why Christians Need to Be United by a Biblical Perspective
I’ve been a member of two different churches during a time of disagreement that caused a split among the members. One split over worship style and the other over the pending location of the new worship center.
Sadly, Christians have been disagreeing and separating since the early days of the church.
Peter gave the following counsel that could really make a difference for us all…
All of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.
1 Peter 3:8–9
Every person on the planet views life through the lens of their own personal perspective developed through their relationships and experiences. Our ideas and opinions vary because our lenses are different. I will have trouble looking through your glasses and you will have trouble looking through mine.
But Peter says it doesn’t have to end there. We can have different perspectives and still be of one mind.
How?
By looking at everything through a Biblical perspective of faith. When we stop viewing life through our own lenses and turn to God’s Word, the Spirit will begin to reshape and mold our lens into an eternal godly perspective that has the power to unite us.
With the Spirit’s help, followers of Jesus can:
- pursue the same goals.
- be understanding of each other’s needs.
- love each other as family.
- be compassionate and caring.
- be humble and helpful.
The most fun we’ve ever had at a wedding, other than our own, was one where we had very little in common with most of the people in the room. I’m sure their life perspectives differed from ours. It was in a different part of the country, at a church of another denomination, with the majority in attendance of another race.
Do you know what we had in common? Who we had in common?
Jesus and the bride and groom.
When we prayed together the praise and “Amens” filled the room. We laughed and danced and celebrated as one family. It was a wonderful glimpse of heaven!
I believe with God all things are possible . . . even the family of faith being “of one mind.”
Will you join me in praying for a Biblical perspective and unity in the family of faith?
A Prayer for Followers of Jesus to Have
a Biblical Perspective of Faith
Father, thank you for making us with different talents, gifts, and abilities. You could have created us all the same and yet, you created us with wonderful complexity . . . each with unique experiences that give us different perspectives. You made us and placed us in our church families where we can use our differences to work together for Your Kingdom.
Please forgive us for allowing those differences to divide us. Forgive us for taking sides and breaking relationships rather than going to Your Word to find the answers and solutions to our problems.
Your Word gives us clear counsel on the things that are important to You. Scripture explains Scripture. Your Spirit guides and instructs us to help us understand the hard parts. And throughout the generations, You have made it clear that being united by Your love is something You want for Your children. Please help us become SEEKers of Your Truth and followers of Your will.
Help us, help me, love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Jesus said, “Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Please help me love like Jesus. In whose name I pray. Amen.
You know, I’ve heard many people lately talk about the importance of “living your own truth.”
Pilate asked Jesus, “what is truth?”
Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He also explained…
“I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
John 18:27
His is a perspective we can trust. He is the one eternally reliable source for “our truth.” \
On today’s note write:
Lord, give me a Biblical Perspective of the TRUTH about Jesus for life . . . personally and in the family of faith.
May God bless you today as You SEEK to grow in the TRUTH of His grace, mercy, and love.
When our hearts and minds are focused on the truth of Jesus and His teachings, it can become so much easier to get along with those who see things differently.
Blessings, Deb, and have a great weekend!
So true, Martha! It’s all about where we keep our focus and opening ourselves to his love. Blessings!
Today’s devotional, “Why Christians Need to Be United by a Biblical Perspective” spoke to me and I wanted you to know it is a great reminder of who Our Lord intended us to be.
Thank you and God Bless you!
VC
Thank you, VC! I am truly blessed by your kind encouragement. God be with you and bless you!
Unity in the body of Christ and keeping the peace, we can’t do that without the love of God. When we know the truth, the Truth will set us free. Thank you for the word of God, a timely reminder for all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
God bless you.
Thank you, Iva! I truly appreciate your kindness and encouragement. God be with you!