“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)

     There will always be the potential for division and strife, including those among us who claim the name of Christ, and Paul points out some of the reasons this can occur in the first place.

     Is there a good reason for division and strife to continue? No!  Is there some common ground we can find through loving God and loving others?  Can we agree to disagree on some matters?  I really think we can.  If we want to live as Christ lived, we can find it within ourselves and help from God above to be reconciled to one another.

     We were created with so much uniqueness; such undeniable differences.  It would stand to reason that we will never be able to agree on everything, but when we focus on the cross of Christ, we become aware of all that is important, and it begins with love and forgiveness.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that despite our differences, we can come together in the Spirit of love for all.  You love us, even in light of our shortcomings, so move us to love one another unconditionally.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.