Have you ever thought that your miracle is not happening because of the attitude you have with others? There are people who leave their home to attend a church service determined not to speak to others or to someone in particular… The same, some people go to work determined not to speak to some colleagues who hurt them or did them wrong… how can God ever bless you in that workplace then? Even worse, some are determined not to speak to their family members because of a disagreement and don’t understand when communication becomes an issue or triggers war within their home. My brother, my sister, if your attitude towards others is not inclined to harmony and reconciliation, which is a ministry the Lord has given you (2 Corinthians 5:18), how can the Lord who sees your heart hear what comes from your mouth?
Today’s passage says this: “5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”.
You see, the picture of our local churches today is the same as the Roman church that was a diverse community made up of Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free people, rich and poor, strong and weak believers. Needless to say that it was difficult for them to accept one another. My friend, accepting means taking people into our homes as well as into our hearts, sharing meals and activities with them and avoiding any kind of discrimination. Within churches today, some people are singled out and others shown favoritism because of their social positions. The Bible tells us that God gives us the patience and encouragement to be able to live in harmony with each other (verse 5). Therefore, we should learn to go out of our way to avoid favoritism and consciously spend time greeting those we don’t normally talk to. We should learn minimise differences and seek common ground for fellowship. In this way, as we are accepting others, we are imitating Christ who accepted us despite our own shortcomings, bad character or sins. My friend, God can never be glorified where there is no harmony, unity or peace.
It is simple. The Bible says: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore” (Psalm 133). Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.