Let Differences Go

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT

Our love for Jesus helps us love one another. Even when - or especially when- we don’t have the same views on politics, policies, hobbies, taste in music, worldly social dynamics….

Our growth in the knowledge of Jesus teaches us to live like Jesus, gives us the opportunity of having friendships with Christian brothers and sisters, sharing common faith in Jesus Christ as the risen Saviour, it will make us “friends who are family”. 

I’m learning this is what Christian community should look like—people united by love for Jesus and driven by a passion for others to meet Jesus and accept Him as their risen Saviour, to glorify God’s kingdom and be part of the salvation story for the people God places on our road. 

And listen, I promise you that within this group of Jesus loving, God trusting, Holy Spirit welcoming folks there are men, women, Pharisees, tax collectors, criminals, prostitutes, adulterers, rebels against the establishment, sinners and supporters of government authority. 

But!! Because of Jesus we have no fear of each other. We have no cause for “us versus them” AMAZING GRACE our eternally insignificant differences go by the wayside in the face of the beautiful bond we have with Jesus Christ that brings us together to stand strong in the chaos of these times.  

And look in the Bible at what God did for His community that set aside everything for the sake of Christ, His kingdom, and His people: They enjoyed “the favor of all the people.” 

The way they lived and loved like Jesus caused them to be part of the salvation story of others!! Imagine that . . .