Love God Greatly: BeatitudesSample

Seeking peace and unity in our churches is a difficult task. One of the most beautiful and revealing things about the body of Christ is our diversity. We come from different backgrounds, with different stories, hurts, joys, and difficulties. Diversity is our strength, but it is also the source of much of our division and frustration. When we refuse to listen and learn from each other and to have compassion for our different perspectives and concerns, we hurt our witness to a divided world. Paul reminds a divided church that our peace is not found in our total agreement with one another or in assimilating into one monolithic community, but in Christ. We were gathered, not because we were all the same, but because of our shared commitment to the Gospel. The One who sacrificed Himself on our behalf is our motivation for sacrificing our preferences and power for the sake of others. God, give me the compassion and wisdom to seek unity in my church community. Teach me to remember the truth that our peace is found in You. Thank You for the gift of peace that You have given us!