“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called.”
Ephesians 4:3-4
If you go on a private fishing excursion, you have the ability to pick who will and will not be on the boat with you. However, if you go on an open charter, anyone can pay for a spot and jump on board. On an open charter, you never know whom you’ll be spending your time with. Sometimes it works out well; other times tremendous amounts of patience are required the whole trip long to achieve an amount of peace and harmony.
The church is not a place where we get to decide who can have a spot among God’s people. In His astounding mercy and grace, the Lord calls all types of people to His family. It’s an “open charter!” If we are honest, we love sharing the pew with some, and others we struggle to get along with. But this is actually one of the ways that God displays His incredible grace. It is through our devotion to Him, and by keeping the bond of peace we have in Christ that we offer a glimpse of God’s heart for those that are hard to love.
Praise God that He has accepted us, as difficult, sinful, and hard to love as we are!
The church is not a place where we get to decide who can have a spot among God’s people. In His astounding mercy and grace, the Lord calls all types of people to His family. It’s an “open charter!” If we are honest, we love sharing the pew with some, and others we struggle to get along with. But this is actually one of the ways that God displays His incredible grace. It is through our devotion to Him, and by keeping the bond of peace we have in Christ that we offer a glimpse of God’s heart for those that are hard to love.
Praise God that He has accepted us, as difficult, sinful, and hard to love as we are!
Scripture Focus
Ephesians 4:1-6; Romans 15:7
Insight
Father, we know we are just as hard to love as anyone else. Give us Your heart so that we can love others as You love us. Amen
Bible In A Year
- 2 Chronicles 23-24
- Psalm 19
- Matthew 26