2020 was a very difficult year. COVID-19, quarantines, deaths, injustice, broken economies, frail governments, business closings, lost jobs and homes. There was little love or compassion, especially from the Body of Christ.

In mine there was great fear, anger, arrogance and distrust. People who claimed to follow Jesus openly attacked, ridiculed, and demeaned each other, even those they didn’t really know.

I believe this deeply grieved our Heavenly Father. When His light should have shone brightly from all within the Church, those called to be apart from the world appeared simply to be a part of it.

When much is given, much is required.¹

So what is required of us? Honor and be devoted to each other. Share with those in need and serve each other. Live in harmony. Do not be proud or conceited. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or take revenge. Do good. Look after others.²

Love your neighbor as yourselves. Be completely humble, gentle, and patient. Put up with each other. Encourage and build each other up. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, slander, and malice. Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving.³

Never repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessings. Seek peace and pursue it. Be clear minded, self-controlled, and alert. And stand firm in the faith because your brothers and sisters throughout the world are suffering.⁴

We are to be One for the love of Christ.

How did you do in 2020? If others were watching you, did they notice anything different from the rest of the world? By the way, someone is always watching…an unbeliever, a young Christian, a child.

The life we must live is difficult but we have each other. We are one body and one family, with brothers and sisters around the world. And Jesus prayed we would be completely united so all would know God had sent Him and loved them.⁵

Paul wrote that if we keep attacking each other, we will destroy each other.⁶ May God make us one, standing firm, united in heart and mind, working together for the love of Christ.

Ciloa Forever!

Chuck

 

 
Chuck Graham is Founder and Executive Director of Ciloa, an international ministry devoted to encouraging others and teaching them how to encourage one another. He is also an author and speaker. Chuck and his wife, Beverly, live in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. Learn more about Chuck and Ciloa at www.Ciloa.org.

 

Footnotes: (1) Read Luke 12:48. (2) Read Romans 12:9,13,16,19; Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Peter 3:11. (3) Read Galatians 5:14; Ephesians 4:2, 31-32; 1 Thessalonians 5:11. (4) Read 1 Peter 3:9,11, 4:7, 5:8,9. (5) Read John 17:23. (6) Read Galatians 5:15.
 
Pictures: Banner Shot: God’s People Together in Unity, created by Favpng.com. (1) John 17:23, May They Be Completely One, created by Knowing-Jesus.com. (2) John 17:11, That They May Be One Even As We Are One, created by Knowing-Jesus.com.