One of the church's main functions is to show the world what God's love looks like in real time. When we walk together through life, caring for each other, praying for and encouraging one another, and sharing the joys of life, people see a picture of God's constant, loving presence in the life of each believer. And, we see the desire of God's heart to walk this closely with every person he's made—his desire for every person to be in close, intimate fellowship with him. This is why unity among believers is so strongly emphasized in the Bible: "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV).
It's easy to allow conflict or even simple, negative feelings to develop between ourselves and others, but it's critical that we "seek peace and pursue it" (see Psalm 34:9–14; 1 Peter 3:10–11 NIV). This means maintaining a heart that's willing to forgive, and more so, making every effort to preserve and restore relationships that have been broken.
"Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 'In your anger, do not sin:' Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold" (Ephesians 4:25–27). When someone genuinely wrongs you, and the issue is important enough to address—speak up!
I find it very hard to confront a wrong when I anticipate an angry response, and usually want to avoid conflict. Choosing this path, though, can lead to more problems: the build-up of bitterness and resentment; loss of the ability to work together for the cause of Christ; greater conflict as pent-up emotions erupt, or growing alienation as emotions stay hidden; and the breakdown of relationship, potentially leading to its end. All of these interfere with our ability to serve God well and experience a life full of rich relationships.
Make it a mission to love, because love preserves of unity; it's the glue that holds us together as a spiritual family:
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you have against one another. 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)
Have you been "putting on humility" lately?
Are you holding onto an offense, rather than addressing it?
Let's remember that we're family, and a watching world is desperate to see that God's love isn't a religious fable.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:10)
