Romans 15:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In this verse, Paul talks about being like-minded toward one another. Unity glorifies God. There are many places in the Bible that speak about the unity of believers and how important it is to God.
People have more similarities than differences but we seem to focus on the differences. At times, we are faced with differences of opinion that separate us. But God wants nothing to separate us. If we focus on Him, our similarities become more evident. Since we were created in the image and likeness of God, we have His seeds of greatness within us.
People can get hung up on issues. Are issues more important than relationships? Some are too liberal; some are too conservative. If a liberal and a conservative lock arms, they will be able to stand up straight. They can stand strong in the Lord. It is good for us to balance each other out. As in Paul’s example of the body, not everyone can be an eye. Someone has to be a nose or the whole thing falls apart. What if you had two left legs? Wouldn’t buying shoes become more difficult?
Are you going to let differences of opinion separate you from the people you love? It is all about relationships! The most important of these is our relationship with God. He wants to be in communion with us. And He wants us to be in relationship with each other. God does not want discord in His family. We need to approach the differences with humility and an open mind. We need to hear each other’s side and respectfully consider how we can close the divide. Of course, we cannot compromise God’s Word. His Word will not return to Him empty. Jesus said He did not come to change the Law but to fulfill it. We need to speak the truth in love. One part of the Law that we are called to fulfill is making disciples of all nations. On that, we should be able to agree and move forward together.
Father, thank You that You call us to unity into Your body, the Church. Help us to look for similarities rather than differences. Teach us Your ways that we might know you better. Bring out humility in us that will allow us to be open in mind and heart to the needs and concerns of others. Help us to understand the Spirit of the Law and live in such a way as to attract others into fellowship with us and You. Help us to praise you as one body. In Jesus name we pray! Amen!