Unity is Love
Love lies at the center of our faith. It is the reason we were called, the reason we survive, and the reason we don’t give up. Peter reminds us of the utter importance of love, especially in light of the times we live in. As times grow darker, we need more love. As trials grow stronger and more frequent, we need more love. As faith grows cold throughout the world, we need more love. We should be able to depend on our brothers and sisters in the faith. The church should be the place where our sins can be laid bare and forgiven. It should not be a judgmental place because we know that the Lord is our judge. We remember that we are but sinners saved by grace. We need to change the way we think about one another. We are not burdens. We aren’t responsibilities to avoid. We are family in the purest form of the word. We are, in fact, one flesh beating to the beat of the heart of God.
Not all of us need to work on hospitality. Some of you have gotten it perfectly. I have the pleasure of knowing many people in this world. I am always so touched and inspired by those with the genuine love of others, those who open themselves up to help a person in need. I love how Peter adds that admonition to operate in hospitality ungrudgingly. It is an honor to serve. It is an honor to be the hands and feet of the Lord, and we would do well to remind ourselves of this. Notice verse 10 which says: “As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” In His wisdom, God has dispersed various gifts to each of us. In this way, I can provide for your lack and you can provide for mine. This is such a beautiful way to remember how much we need one another.
Let us make a life out of living generously and accepting graciously. This is love in action. This is a life that is connected with each other. Unity is more than simply not fighting. Unity of the brethren means that we are connected, dependent upon each other, supportive of one another. We should be each other’s greatest supporters and most true of advisers. When we do this, we bring honor to our Heavenly Father. We hold up His love to the world and tell them it is possible. It is possible to be wiped clean from our sin and live as if it was no more. We show that because we don’t bring it up. We forgive completely. We love despite our humanity. Our actions either bring God glory or shame. Let us choose wisely.
(Written by Keegan Harkins.)
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