Catechism: Desiring Wholenessਨਮੂਨਾ

Our world feels more divided than ever. You don’t have to look very hard to find people fighting in comment sections, screaming at each other on TV, or posting memes mocking others. 

In this kind of hostile environment, God’s design for His people to live together in community seems radical. He asks us to lay aside our right to be right, forgive each other’s faults, and put others’ needs ahead of our own. 

This call to unity seems impossible because it goes against our natural instincts. We need God’s help to overcome the selfishness embedded in our sinful nature and the individualism that our culture elevates. Instead, we look to the One who shows us what it means to love others well --Jesus!

Everything God asks us to do--be humble, gentle, and loving, Christ has already done perfectly. When we follow his lead to live in unity with each other, we experience wholeness in the Body of Christ, the interdependent community of people who humbly use their God-given abilities to love and serve each other. 

Read Ephesians 4:1-16 

Reflection Questions:

1. In these verses, Christians are called to be humble, gentle, patient, and forgiving. How do these characteristics create a sense of unity? Which of these characteristics is most challenging for you right now? 
2. Do you think society as a whole would describe Christians as united? How would the world change if Christians lived the way this passage describes? 
3. What is your role in your community? Do you help bring people together or push them away? How would you like to change and grow as you interact with others? Ask God to help you in these areas!