Unity Through Diversity - In the Evening When I Rest
Unity Through Diversity
Lord, how can I find unity with others who are so different?
Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as I am perfect.
Ephesians 4:3; Ephesians 4:2; Matthew 5:46-48
What can I remember when my differences with others cause frustration?
Just as your body has many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with my body. Christians are many parts of one body, and you all belong to each other. In my grace, I have given you different gifts for doing certain things well.
Romans 12:4-6
What can I pray when differences bring conflict?
Father God, who gives me patience and encouragement, help me live in complete harmony with others, so that we can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6
God has woven diversity into his creation. Therefore we should expect differences of opinion. Unity is not everyone agreeing—it’s learning how to take different thoughts and direct them all toward a shared purpose and goal. Think of someone whose life is different from yours. What good qualities does he or she have? What is something you could learn from him or her? Spend a moment thanking God for the rich blessing of diversity he has created in the world, and ask him if there is someone specific he wants you to seek unity with.
