As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.
“How can I say that I love the Lord who I’ve never ever seen before, and forget to say that I love the one who I walk beside each and every day?” —Koinonia, by V. Michael McKay
Everywhere I look, there seems to be division.
“You don't really believe that do you?”
“I didn't know that you were one of those.”
“Men are from Mars and women are from Venus.”
Some of these divisive phrases are superficial, while others cut painfully deep.
Division isn't anything new. After all, the church has taken on topics such as slavery, immigration, the role of women, and a host of other issues before. At any given time our congregations can be divided over one issue or another.
So what do we do about living in community? Members of the same churches are not just disagreeing with one another; they are judging each other’s characters based on their disagreements. Sometimes they even avoid each other, refusing to talk to one another while singing songs of unity in the same worship space.
Paul exhorts us to live at peace with one another: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Rom. 12:18).”
Really, Paul? You don't know these people.
When Paul wrote this, the Roman church was deeply divided between Jews and Gentiles, slaves and slave owners. The painful truth is that conflict is unavoidable, but it doesn't have to divide us from one another. We each come to church with different life experiences and different ways of looking at situations. This is God's big, beautiful, and messy community.
The same thing that united a very divided church during Paul’s day should unite us today. That is the Spirit of God. We all profess the same Lord, there is one baptism, and we all look forward to the return of Christ. This unity is not based on false peace, nor is it based in false kindness. It is based on Jesus’ work on the cross and his resurrection. This is not a mistake. We are to be in community with people who are not like us.
Yes, we might have different backgrounds and experiences. Yet every believer has the same Spirit as Christ. This means that even in disagreement, we must remember our fellowship with one another (Eph. 4:4-6). We only have one firm foundation: Jesus Christ. We love each other in the truth, not by ignoring the hard things, but by growing in him (Eph. 4:15).
Our witness as followers of Christ and our ability to live as one will be hindered when we focus on what divides us instead of what unites us. This doesn't mean we have to agree on everything to live in community. It does mean that we must give special regard to our sisters and brothers even when we disagree with them.
We are the family of God! Belonging to Christ comes before everything else. God’s work holds us together. No issue should override that reality.
About the Author
Nicole Davis resides in Grand Rapids, Mich., with her husband and four children. She serves as the pastor of spiritual formation and care at Brookside Christian Reformed Church. She is also a licensed professional counselor.