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 my own church at the time, there was 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

 

The last few Notes have been about trust and Integrity in a Christian’s life. But as I write this Note, my country approaches another election, and once again I see the same fear, anger, arrogance, distrust, attacks, ridicule, and efforts to demean coming from those who claim to follow Jesus.

 

Yet we are commanded to act an entirely different way…To honor and respect each other, share with those in need and serve each other. To live in harmony and not be proud or conceited, or do anything out of selfish ambition. Never to take revenge, but always do good and look after others.²

 

We are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Be completely humble, gentle, and patient, even to put up with each other, encourage and build each other up, getting rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, slander, and malice. Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving.³

 

And never to repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessings. Always seeking peace and pursuing it. Being clear minded, self-controlled, and alert, standing firm in the faith because our brothers and sisters throughout the world are suffering.⁴

 

We are to be One for the love of Christ.

 

How did you do in back in 2020? How are you doing now? Do others see anything different in you from the rest of the world? By the way, someone is always watching…an unbeliever, a young Christian, a child.

 

The life Jesus called us to live can be difficult and harsh…but we have each other! We can be ONE body and ONE family. For Jesus prayed we would be completely united so all would know that God had sent Him…and loved them.⁵ And His prayers carry great power and strength.

 

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; 1 Philippians 12:7. (5) Read John 17:23.

Pictures: Banner 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. (3) Chuck Graham, photo by Beverly Graham.