They Will Know Us by Our Love

I appeal to you brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided?                            1 Corinthians 1:10-13

No, Christ is not divided, so we in the Christian community should not be. There were quarrels in the early church, and quarrels still happen today. It is always sad, though, because as the church we are supposed to show love for one another so that the world will come to know Jesus. John 13:35 says, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” How will the world come to know Jesus? By how the church loves one another. How will the world not know the love of Jesus? By the church quarreling and not showing love.

I recently attended my son’s middle school band performance, at which they played the theme from the movie The Dark Knight. It sounded good when all the instruments worked together—trumpets, drums, clarinets, saxophones, etc. However, what if one trumpeter decided to stand up while everyone else played The Dark Knight theme and instead played “The Star Spangled Banner”? It would make everything sound horrible. Even if fifty students play the right notes, when one person steps out of tune it makes them all sound bad. It is the same way at church when someone decides to be selfish, murmur, or complain—it makes us all look bad. If people in the world see nothing but bickering in the church, they will not have a desire to join us.

There will be times believers disagree, but we don’t have to be disagreeable and treat one another disrespectfully. In today’s society, communication travels much quicker than it used to. With various forms of social networking at our fingertips, we can share our opinions with hundreds or thousands of people in an instant. We need to think twice before hitting the send button to make sure our words are not causing disunity.

Lord, let my tongue not cause division. Help me to say only those things that edify. When I disagree with someone, let me speak respectfully and go directly to that person to speak the “truth in love.” Let my life be one that is in harmony with those in my church. I want to make You attractive! In Jesus’ name, amen.