Off and on over the past few months, my attention has been drawn to divisions among friends, when they have a falling out. Last week, they resurfaced. Particularly yesterday, when talking with a friend about one pair now divided, I found myself thinking on it for more than five minutes. It bothered me sitting through the final graduation ceremony of the day. I fought hard not to say anything to anyone or post anything online about it because I feared my words would be lost in the anger I felt and alienate those whom I feel need to hear them most.
Today at church, we talked about unity in the Body of Christ, within the church. I can't help but feel God calling me to pay attention to this matter in preparation for what was to be studied today. Thus, working to set my feelings aside (though I'm sure some will bubble through) and working from Scripture and what was this morning, heed these words. I beg you. It is out of love I am compelled to speak the truth.
Working from Ephesians 4:1-6
Since we started this church in September, we've been working through Paul's letter to believers in Ephesus (the book of Ephesians). We've finally reached the fourth chapter (we really dig in). We covered the first three versus but the first six struck me considering what had been on my mind and heart lately:
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Eph 4:1-6, NIV
We are called, among other things, to live in unity. We are one body. If your body doesn't coordinate movements, it can be an indication of a neurological disorder. How much more would such a problem reflect on Christ?
We are to bear the fruits of the Spirit and work together in love. We must set aside our pride, vanity and selfish ambitions to promote the work of the Kingdom. Working together in unity, the Church can proclaim the Gospel more powerfully than most of us ever could alone. The end of Acts 2:42-47 and 4:32-35 both illustrate this, as the people within the church cared for their own, they testified powerfully (in the chapter 4 passage) and more were joining them daily (in the 2nd chapter). Is it much of a stretch to say that disunity hurts the testimony of the believers directly involved and even that of the Church?
Jesus himself prayed for unity in the church "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." [my emphasis] John 17:21-23, NIV
Finally, I'd like to point out what Jesus says during the Sermon on the Mount, "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." Matt 5:23-24 It would seem unwise to present an offering for forgiveness of sins unknowingly committed (which is was most offerings were) if there is a problem you do know about. Whether or not the offended person is justified in their being offended is not the issue but to work to an understanding and reconcile with them is the point. A friend in church this morning asked the simple question: by refusing to reconcile are you implying that your division is too deep even for God to fix?
An exhortation
I don't claim to understand all the circumstances that lead to the parting of ways. Even if I did know, I may see things too simply to appreciate the reasons. Yet, having presented a few passages (that was not an exhaustive discussion, I assure you), I feel can say my piece with some...maybe not authority but hopefully weight. I am speaking as a friend, a sister, someone who loves and does not want to see this continue. Please, heed my words:
As simple as it may be, this is how I see it: siblings in Christ, both dear to me and once dear to each other, are now separated. This is in multiple relationships I've seen this. I must say: It hurts. Not just for those directly involved but others. My heart breaks for what has been lost. I am angry that it has come to this and you refuse to even try to repair. Do all those years mean nothing? Would you really let it all slip away? I thought you were better than that. I can understand lashing out in pain, in needing time for God to work on your heart but do not close yours forever to one you held so dear! I need you both. You need each other. We need each other.
I am upset with both parties: one for walking away, the other for letting them. We are called to be separate from the world, to not act this way. If both parties don't work towards a renewed fellowship, my high (very, very high) opinion of them will be lowered. I am disappointed but if you both will at least work towards civility, even the smallest measure of warmth, I would rejoice. I beg of you, set aside your pride and look past the present pain. If I, only a child, a friend mourn and rage over this, how much more does our Heavenly Father? Hear my words, oh brother, oh sister! Reconcile. The day will come when you will have to account for this breaking of fellowship. What will you say then? What will God say?
Please...I love you.
