There are a number of us at Northshore who have a palpable burden to pray for unity these days, especially in our congregation. We enjoy strong bonds of unity in our congregation that are vital to our continued effectiveness in ministry together; so we are not necessarily praying to solve a problem. We are praying to preserve that which is so precious to us: Our unity that is based in Jesus. Let’s be praying for unity.
We live in days that seem to be marked by increasing division. As our federal government transfers power from the Obama administration to the Trump administration, some are fearful, others are exhilarated, while many deal with a mix of emotions and perspectives somewhere in the middle. These could be days when such division impacts us in our families, workplaces, and even in our church. We all have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that shape our diverse positions. There is plenty of room at Northshore for a diversity of positions as we are unified in and through the Gospel. I believe our rich diversity makes us a stronger body; we need each other.
In all of our relationships, in all of our various networks, the Scripture gives us clear standards of behavior. In these potentially divisive days, I have found this especially helpful:
Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. 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)
Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel. Please join us in praying for unity!
