“[Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good. Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.” Romans 12:9-10
“As the Church, we are called to rise up and be the hands, feet, and heart of our Father; to speak out against hatred, racism, the murder of the unborn, and rebellion against authority, and to declare unity over division and peace over lawlessness.”
Recently, I sliced my finger severely while preparing a meal for my family. I applied pressure to the wound for what felt like hours. What I noticed, however, was that the pain was not isolated to my finger. It was as if my entire body was acutely aware of this injury and all of my resources and attention were directed to that one small finger for quite some time.
The Word of God often refers to the church (meaning the global church body) as the Body of Christ and as one family (see Jn.17:21). Our Father is intentional in everything He does and says, and I believe he wanted the church to understand and identify itself as members of a “body” so that we could comprehend the depth of connection He desires us to have.
Despite its most valiant efforts to build an authentic community, The Church has unfortunately continued to be the best place to have surface relationships- lacking depth and breadth. It’s the only place I know where you can declare your love for others one day a week, without having the obligation to follow through with actions, or get to truly know the family you are part of. I am not saying this happens always, but the potential is definitely there.
Sometimes, especially for those who have grown up in the church, we fall prey to the habits of Christian culture without even knowing it; therefore, losing our authenticity. If you don’t believe me, ask yourself this. How many times have you thrown out this statement-“I’m praying for you”… and actually uttered a prayer for that person? The Holy Spirit convicted me some years ago in this area.
He started small. Every time I told someone I would pray for them, I dropped whatever I was doing and prayed right away. I wanted to be genuine and sincere in my care for them and their situation. Soon, that small step blossomed into growth in other areas, and I began seeing more connection with others.
As one family in Christ, we are beckoned by our Savior to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep…” to “be sensitive to each other’s needs..” Romans 12:9-10 encourages us to”hate what is evil,” and to ” love one another with brotherly affection as members of one body….showing honor to one another.”
Just as all of my faculties were focused on one small, bleeding finger, We are called to focus on those in the Body who are hurting, black, white, young, old..everyone. There are matters (situations) that must come under our consideration, and yes, they do matter (are important and significant). These issues need to become a family matter. As the Church, we are called to rise up and be the hands, feet, and heart of our Father; to speak out against hatred, racism, the murder of the unborn, and rebellion against authority, and to declare unity over division and peace over lawlessness. How can the world defeat hatred using love without knowing the God who is love? How can the world know unity without understanding oneness with Jesus?
Looking at the world’s troubles and believing one person can make the difference is daunting. However, when we allow God to lead us, one small step at a time, to affect change in our own spheres of influence, we can be the spark that sets off a chain reaction that will ignite a revival of God’s love and presence in the earth. So when you get that inner nudge to pay for someone’s groceries, reach out to your neighbor, call someone you serve with at church, listen and obey. You never know how many lives you are touching in those moments.
It is up to the Church to arise and not be silent. May the Church be an authentic example of unity and true healing, and may the earth be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea!