10I have a serious concern to bring up with you, my friends, using the authority of Jesus, our Master. I'll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common. (The Message)
After Paul's greetings he doesn't waist any time getting to the point does he? Can it be any clearer and yet any more difficult?
The New Testament and early church history shows clearly that the church has never been completely unified as to belief and practice. In the midst of the differences it is clear that unity of spirit was important to Paul and we should ask ourselves if it is still important to us as well. While there are many things that are important in our beliefs it seems these days that it is a bit to easy to loose our civility toward one another. What has happened that we can no longer be considerate of one another in those things that are not of ultimate importance? I know that the quick response is to say, "But the things that I believe are important are REALLY important and they are worth fighting for because once you compromise then where will it end?"
But are the opinions and beliefs we hold so dear worth the destruction of the Christian life that is supposed to be lived with others?
You might ask if I have an opinion on this and I would simply respond that it could be time we started reading and doing what the Bible says rather than spending so much time arguing about what we think it says. What part of, "love one another as I have loved you" do we not understand?
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- What do you think Paul means by being considerate of one another?
- Where do you see signs of Christians cultivating a life in common today?
- Do others see your actions as drawing other believers together or driving them apart? Why?
- What might you do this week that will help you to be more considerate of another believer who has different opinions than you do?
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