3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. Ephesians 4:3-6
2 I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. 3 In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col. 2:2-3
23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrew 10:23-25
I have underlined words and phrases which I think are of paramount importance to our lives. How do we live in unity?
These passages remind us that God loves unity and community. It may not always be possible; however, it is required of us. Today is election day in the United States. And regardless of the outcome we have an obligation to fulfill. We are to love each other as God loves us. We agree to disagree, and this can be carried out civilly.
We serve a living God whose presence is constant. He knows when we have been less than stellar. But He is also quick to forgive. Can we adopt that stance as well? Can we forgive and put this election season behind us? For regardless of the winner we go on living. We live because God gave us life. He also gave us things we are to achieve in our lives. Life does not stop because our candidate did or did not win. Life goes on. We have work to do.
The prayer of St. Francis teaches us how to walk hand in hand with each other.
Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is discord, union;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
(Prayer attributed to St. Francis, BCP p. 833)
As Christians we emulate the love of Christ. Let us hold hands and stick together. They will know we are Christians by our love.
Enjoy this rendition of "They will know we are Christians by our love."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfg5VTyDkyA
Let us put this time behind us and lean into the future; a future filled with the hope and the love of the Lord.
Be Blessed, Be Safe!