Your Kingdom Come: God’s Heart for Diversityናሙና

Day 7 - We need to maintain Unity 

Unity is from the Spirit but in Ephesians 4:1-3, we are called to maintain it - how is this possible when we are all so different? It requires willingness and action and the early church shows us what this looks like.

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts” (Acts 2:42-47)

In this picture of the early church, we can learn from how they built relationships:

1) They prayed together 

Communal prayer and intercession nurture intimacy and trust. As we share our burdens and dreams, we are able to connect with each other. It also opens our hearts to the needs of those around us so that we can stir and strengthen each other's faith. 

2) They sacrificed for each other 

Relationship requires sacrifice as we have to set aside our preferences or conveniences in order to honour others instead. When we take the time to listen to someone who struggles to speak outside their native language, or make the effort to learn how to properly pronounce somebody’s name. When we elevate the voice of a marginalised person or invest the energy to learn the culture or experience of someone, our actions show people that they are valued.

3) They welcomed each other into their homes, choosing to fellowship around the table. 

When we invite people into our homes, we usher them into our lives creating space for authentic moments and meaningful conversations. We create opportunities to laugh together and mourn together fostering deep relationships and belonging.

4) They were devoted, loyal and enthusiastic about each other focused on the things they had in common. 

Time, days and seasons passed and yet they continued in their devotion to God and to each other. As we read the example of the early church, we recognise that maintaining unity is not an easy task but a worthy call. It goes against our self-seeking human nature and requires us to walk in the Spirit. The way they loved each other ministered to the world and as they fought to maintain unity, the church flourished.

God is a relational God, drawing us into a deeper relationship with Him through our relationship with others. Diversity is His decision and unity is His desire as He delights in His people being together as one. “For there is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6) - this is His Church.

Reflection Points

• Thank God for your local church and the global church and pray protection over the unity in it
• Think about someone in church who you don’t usually speak to, and seek opportunities to build a deeper relationship with them
• Take some time to pray for or pray with someone from church today. If you pray for them, call or message to encourage them
• Consider the needs of someone in the church and think about the sacrifice you can make to honour and value them