Bridging the Christian Divide

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

As the world endeavors to create separation within the body of Christ, our hearts are primed for unity! We are hungry to bridge the divide and to find harmony, not only with God but with each other. For too long, we have allowed social media, politics, and other triggers to steal our cohesiveness and love for fellow believers. 2 Corinthians 13:11 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” We must be transformed by the steadfast and perfect love of Jesus!

It pleases God when shepherds of the Church stand together – presenting a united front – having the same love, being of one spirit and of one mind. (Philippians 2:2) We are the hands and feet of Jesus! Our communities should be able to look to the Church for peace and hope when the rest of the world seems chaotic and hopeless. Jesus instructed, “Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35).

NOW is the time to distinguish ourselves as a people that belong to Him, rising above the ways of the world. Where there is division, Jesus offers healing and restoration!

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: Read these scriptures and pray over them for the unification of Christ’s body and for Jesus to be nourishment to our souls:

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions were their own, but they shared everything they had” (Acts 4:32).

“So then, let us aim for harmony in the Church and try to build each other up” (Romans 14:19).

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

“So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13).

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13-14).

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

Prayer: Lord, we come to You today with thanksgiving in our hearts! Thank You for Your goodness to us. We ask you Father God, for unification in the body of Christ. What the enemy has torn down, we know You will restore! Please come into our broken places and our relationships with one another. Pour out Your healing balm on those areas that need revival. Bring conviction, forgiveness, and reconciliation to the people that need it. Help us to be more like You. We love You! We LOVE You! We know if we cast our cares on You, You will give rest to our weary souls. We need you now, Lord! We need You to enter in and give us the peace only You can provide. In Your precious Holy name we pray, Amen!

Final Thoughts: If we God into the places of brokenness and into our exchanges with others, we will experience His guidance through forgiveness and resolution. He will make all things new if we call out to Him. Be encouraged today!