Romans 15:5-7 "Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God."
There are several key phrases in these verses that, if taken to heart, would do a lot to bring unity in the Church. We are called to be "likeminded...according to Christ Jesus". He is to be the center of Christianity (it's in the name really). Christians can differ on many things, however our minds ought to be the same when it comes to Jesus.
Once that mind is "like", we are to employ it together with our fellow believers along with our mouths to bring God praise. The bitter divide in churches regarding how to praise and glorify God (drums, no drums, etc.) is causing us to be unable to fulfill this Scriptural admonition.
And finally, we are called to receive each other as Christ received us so God gets the glory. The word "receive" could literally be translated "grant one access to one's heart". Just think - that is what Christ has done for us! The God of the universe has given us access to His heart and now He calls us to do the same with our fellow believers. This is not a simple "Hi! How are you this beautiful Sunday?" "I'm great. How are you?" "I'm good. Well have a nice day!" sort of conversation. That is not granting access to your heart and it is killing our churches. Receiving each other as Christ receives us is intimate, dangerous, raw, real. Life changing.
What steps can I take today to implement these admonitions in my life?
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