His Cross Our HopeSample

Church splits are painful. Even when a small group leaves a congregation, it causes scars. Multiple times I’ve experienced situations where friends left churches I attended because of conflicts or disagreements, and it felt like rejection that sometimes left me confused. Why? People leave other groups without it feeling personal. Disputes like this hurt because that’s not what Jesus intended for His followers.

God wants His people to operate as one. Before He went to the cross, Jesus prayed for future believers to be one as He and the Father are one. At times, I’ve wondered why it seems like God hasn’t given Jesus what He asked for. The world hasn’t ever seen complete unity among believers. We’re a bunch of weak humans doing our best to seek God but too often end up fighting each other.

There are glimpses of this harmony in some relationships, churches, and religious groups. But the widespread alliance Jesus spoke of seems like a dream. It must grieve our Father when He sees Christians sometimes hating and fighting each other.

The world needs to see oneness. Focusing on Jesus brings us together. I can’t control what others do. I can with God’s help seek peace by showing grace, forgiveness, and love to all my brothers and sisters in Christ. Not demanding my way, judging them for being different, or hating them for disagreeing with me.

May we come together over our love for our Lord Jesus Christ.

How can you seek unity today?

~Susan Aken

Writer and blogger