PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 18:15-20
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
Here Jesus explains how disciples ought to unite together against division.
Make every attempt to restore broken relations, involve the church if needed.
As God’s children, we together share the authority over creation (Genesis 1:26-28).
Together with God and each other, the kingdom comes among us.
I wish I could say that unity and harmony were evident when we come together.
Though at a surface level we have unity, it is very shallow – we hardly know each other.
We have a long way to go to experiencing this fellowship of the Spirit.
Jesus comes to reconcile broken relationships, between God and us and each other.
The next time you gather with other disciples, consider how well you know each other.
Is there someone you have something against, or someone who has something against you?
Is there someone you know little about, and that you’ve never bothered getting to know?
Deeper fellowship with each other is worth pursuing!
For this is how God’s power for good is exercised in the world.
And the world will know we are His disciples, if we love one another.
PRAYER
Lord, may we be more than a shallow group of people that meet in the same place every week. May we become a dynamic, Christ-centered, love-energized fellowship of deeply connected Jesus followers.
Lord, in times of conflict help focus me on “gaining a brother” instead of being right. May I foster unity and community not just in the church but in every aspect of your light so I may be a beacon to those not yet following You.
There are many ‘loose’ canons out there – with a little knowledge or info that is a dangerous thing – seeing it played out on the international scene. I appreciate collegiality – working together – even when there is differing opinions – because I know it helps me not to become a ‘loose-canon’. There is too much reactionary risk on my own. The mistakes I’ve made have been like that. My progress is when I submit and ask Jesus – WWJD – asking the presence of the HS to guide and help me. We need deeper understanding of each other – taking the time out to listen with the desire to know each other better.
Yes Lord Jesus I agree with Pastor Norm’s prayer and I am now claiming your word that if two of us on earth agree about anything we ask for, it will be done for us by our Father in heaven. Amen