… until we all reach unity in the faith …
Summary: Looking at the question of unity causes us to ask, “What causes disunity?” The answer could include a million things, but today we look at the need to forgive.
When you think of Christians, which of these two words is most likely to come to mind: Unity or arguments? Even if there is unity in your local church, what about Christianity as a whole?
Sadly, arguments about what it means to be a Christian often make the national news. There are those among us who advocate for social issues that conflict with biblical teachings. There are clergy who place themselves above God’s Word. They declare that one part of the Bible might be true, but other parts most certainly aren’t true.
Corporate faith is a messy business. Yet, here in four simple words, Paul outlines a primary goal of Christianity: unity in the faith.
How are we to do this? What is it apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are supposed to do that equips people for this? What kind of service do we do that builds up the body of Christ?
Let’s turn the question around and look at it from the other end. What is it that keeps us apart? What causes disunity in the church?
Any thoughts?
Let’s simplify the question even more. What is it that causes disunity between us and Jesus?
The short answer is “sin.” But this can’t be the only obstacle because (A) Jesus forgives us of our sins (Matthew 6: 14-15), and (B) Paul clearly thinks we can achieve unity in the body of Christ.
One possibility is the sin of others. Have we forgiven others for their trespasses against us? Have we forgiven ourselves for our own bad choices? Have we forgiven our parents and other family members? Have we forgiven God? (Forgiveness isn’t always about sin. Sometimes it is about what we judge to be sin. Suppose God doesn’t do what you want him to do. Can you forgive him?)
There are probably a million and one reasons why we struggle with disunity, but a lack of forgiveness in our lives is at the top of my list.
When Paul describes what it means to love as God loves in his famous passage, 1 Corinthians 13, he doesn’t mention forgiveness by name. Instead, he describes it. Forgiveness is patient and kind. Forgiveness is not boastful or proud. Forgiveness does not dishonor others, and it is not self-seeking. Forgiveness is not easily angered. Perhaps most importantly, forgiveness “keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13: 5) Forgiveness always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres.
Forgiveness is asking God to forgive those who have unjustly accused you of things you didn’t do, who have chased off your friends, who have corrupted one of your most trusted associates, beat you to a bloody pulp, forced you to carry your own cross, and then nailed you to that cross in the most painful way possible where you are left to die. (Luke 23: 34) Imagine a world where we could forgive like Jesus.
Application: Forgive like you want to be forgiven.
Food for Thought: What is the difference between forgiveness and justice?
This is the second time in two days I have had 1 Corinthians 13:5 highlighted to me. Yesterday it was in the context of love, honor, and hope. Today it is in a context of forgiveness and justice. It does not seem strange to me at all because I am battling that in my life and I pray about it alot. There are two people in my life that as soon as I interact with them my mind struggles not to forsake Gods Word and start “reading from a scroll of injustices.” It is a battle because I am “once bitten, twice shy.” I am so ready to clonk them on the head at times. It is harboring resentment. The only times I am able to interact without that feeling is to put up my shield of faith. Faith that God is in control and that I am safe in Him. Faith that my perspective is skewed and His is not, and if I give their words to Him, He will help me understand the real truth. (Because that happens alot too). I know the Bible tells me this:
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Luke 6:37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Proverbs 17:9 Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.
As I read these verses, and many like them that say the very same thing, my mind drifts to justice. What am I really asking for? That if I would ask my neighbor to be slapped by the hand of God, would I then too be happy receiving the back hand? That would be justice.
There is this idea of “the moral highground.” Something that was talked about alot in my military days. Now a days I reject that idea. How can I look into my neighbors eyes if I place myself above them? I think standing on the rock means standing on the Word, and that rock is flat. Like a large stone floor in a desert. It is easy to step off into the sand if I dont keep my eyes on the rock, be mindful of where my feet take me. It is also the same rock my neighbor can stand on as well, and in that sense we become equal. Equal perspective and equal in the presence of the Lord. If they choose not to stand on the rock, or dont know where the rock even is, me getting in the sand is not going to help either of us. Perhaps, instead of harboring resentment, I should call out that the rock is “over here.” Not saying “you should stand on the rock when you’re talking to me.”
What is interesting to me in this very moment, as I write this, is that yesterday I thought “I’m going to look these verses up tomorrow morning during my morning devotion time.” And the Lord was like “Yep,” He took me to a place I did not anticipate.
Chris,
Thank you for sharing your journey with us today! I appreciate your comment that “the rock is flat!” Yes, we are all in the same boat before the Lord. We all stand as sinners needing forgiveness.
A short thought today – I think justice is getting exactly what we deserve. We pay every penny that we owe. Forgiveness is a cancellation of the debt that we owe. Jesus canceled our debt by mailing it to the cross. Colossians 2: 13 – 15 says this better than I ever could.
Thanks, Rich!
I know you are busy this week. (Well, you are busy every week!)
I appreciate you, brother! Thanks for being such a great example of one who is willing to forgive as Christ forgives.
“Jesus canceled our debt by mailing it to the cross.” I know it’s a typo. It is better stated in Colossians 2: 13 – 15.
Actually, I liked the typo! When we pay our bills we “mail” the payment to the place it is owed. Jesus “mailed” payment for our sins to the cross.
06-26-2023, What is the difference between forgiveness and justice?
Justice is the state or characteristic of BEING just or fair, while forgiveness is the ACTION of forgiving. Justice will condemn a fault, and because of the fault, condemn the doer as well. To forgive is to condemn the fault while we spare the doer. When we forgive someone, the hurt and damage of the offense will still exist. We are choosing to hurts, and damages as we choose to live in obedience to God.
Matthew 18:21-22 Tells us how often, Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Mark 12:30-31, Tells us how, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
2 Thessalonians 1:6-7, Tells us who administers justice: God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.
Thanks Ron!
I like the distinction between being fair and doing what is right in God’s eyes.