Petty disagreements came up at the council in Jerusalem concerning legalistic requirements for all people and their faith, and Peter speaks up, seeking to put the matter to rest:

“Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.  God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.” (Acts 15:7-9)

     Let’s not allow disagreements to separate us, for we are one in Christ.  All are welcome to come to Jesus and accept the grace of God.  Paul taught us this--“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) We can make the choice to focus on the things that matter the most.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you have welcomed us into your kingdom, and we are eternally grateful for this.  Help us to abandon the petty disagreements and to worship you in Spirit and truth.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.