Faith Was Never Meant to Be Lived AloneSample

Day 2 – Loving in the Midst of Differences

Following Jesus in community means that sooner or later we will face differences with someone else. It is easy to walk with those who think like us and resemble us, but true discipleship is tested when we must love, forgive, and serve those who do not share our opinions, styles, or personalities. The Christian community is not built on uniformity, but on the ability to remain united amid diversity.

The early church faced this reality from the beginning. In Acts 6:1-4 we see a conflict between believers of Hebrew background and those of Greek background because some felt overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The solution was not to divide, but to choose leaders full of the Spirit and wisdom to serve the whole community. This example reminds us that unity is not the absence of conflict, but the decision to face differences with love and seek the common good. The key was recognizing the need, listening to both sides, and raising up servants who reflected the heart of Jesus.

Paul also teaches in Romans 15:5-7 (NIV): “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Accepting one another does not mean agreeing on everything; it means recognizing that Christ has united us and that his grace is greater than our differences. This kind of acceptance reminds us that the church is not a club of affinities, but a body in which every member is valuable and necessary.

Jesus himself chose twelve disciples with backgrounds so different that, humanly speaking, it would have been impossible for them to function as a group. Yet at the end of his ministry he could pray to the Father: “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you… so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21 NIV). The unity of the church is not a luxury; it is a powerful testimony to the world. Our ability to remain together despite differences shows the world that the gospel has real, transforming power.

Love in the midst of differences is also expressed through patience. Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV) urges us: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Unity requires effort, sacrifice, and humility, but it is possible because the Holy Spirit lives in us. Patience with others reflects the patience God has had with us.

Discipleship in community shapes us. Differences force us to grow in patience, empathy, and dependence on God. They are not an obstacle to the Christian life, but the very stage where we learn to become more like Christ.

For today’s reflection:

• How do I react when someone in my faith community thinks differently from me?
• Am I willing to strive for unity, even if it requires personal sacrifice?
• What practical step can I take today to accept and love someone with whom I have differences?