Being Unified
Two days ago someone told me about a conversation they had with a friend. She told me that religion came up in the conversation and how badly their talk went. They are both committed Christians and very close friends. The person I was talking to told me that, with that person, she will probably not broach that subject again. I then shared this conversation with my daughter and the first words she uttered were that you should never bring up religion with your friends. She has decided, from experience, talking about your faith with friends only causes problems. And they weren't even talking about different religions...they were discussing their christian faith. This isn't the first time I have heard this. Have others of you had this experience?
What is the world is wrong with us as Christians that we can't talk about what should be our heart and soul? And especially with friends who are other believers? What is wrong with our brotherhood/sisterhood in Christ if we can't share our faith? Do we feel threatened or is it a self-righteous thing? I have found that most of the time when we share what we believe, others if they believe something different, automatically get defensive. Then talking about how we interpret the scriptures, what we believe, and what our personal denomination teaches becomes a battle ground. It becomes one person's beliefs need to be right and therefore the other person's beliefs are wrong. Why can't we share with one another with respect and a oneness in Christ. "Now I beseech you...that you all speak the same thing, and there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectlly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement." 1 Corinthians 1:10
We need to be joined together as the body of Christ and recognizing that it is okay for us to be different parts "so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." Romans 12:5. Even thought we might act out our walk with Christ differently than another we are all working towards the same end...building the kingdom of God on earth while we wait to join our Lord for eternity in heaven. "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15. As Christians we are to work together for the good of the whole body being constantly aware not to cause division.
Whatever the cause for division between us, when we share our faith I hope that this will encourage you to share only in a way that brings us together. Remember that we can slso learn from one another, Don't shy away from sharing, just share and accept the sharing of others with kindness, gentleness, love and a desire for unity. If you start to feel any division, stop and pray asking the Holy Spirit for help. I hope this gives you something to pray and think about. Thank you for listening to my views...for the sake of Christ's kingdom...Amen!
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." Colossians 3:16
"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5
What is the world is wrong with us as Christians that we can't talk about what should be our heart and soul? And especially with friends who are other believers? What is wrong with our brotherhood/sisterhood in Christ if we can't share our faith? Do we feel threatened or is it a self-righteous thing? I have found that most of the time when we share what we believe, others if they believe something different, automatically get defensive. Then talking about how we interpret the scriptures, what we believe, and what our personal denomination teaches becomes a battle ground. It becomes one person's beliefs need to be right and therefore the other person's beliefs are wrong. Why can't we share with one another with respect and a oneness in Christ. "Now I beseech you...that you all speak the same thing, and there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectlly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement." 1 Corinthians 1:10
We need to be joined together as the body of Christ and recognizing that it is okay for us to be different parts "so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." Romans 12:5. Even thought we might act out our walk with Christ differently than another we are all working towards the same end...building the kingdom of God on earth while we wait to join our Lord for eternity in heaven. "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15. As Christians we are to work together for the good of the whole body being constantly aware not to cause division.
Whatever the cause for division between us, when we share our faith I hope that this will encourage you to share only in a way that brings us together. Remember that we can slso learn from one another, Don't shy away from sharing, just share and accept the sharing of others with kindness, gentleness, love and a desire for unity. If you start to feel any division, stop and pray asking the Holy Spirit for help. I hope this gives you something to pray and think about. Thank you for listening to my views...for the sake of Christ's kingdom...Amen!
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." Colossians 3:16
"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5
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