Between the political rants on Facebook and the way my oldest two sometimes argue and pester, I’m over fighting. “Can’t we all just get along?” repeats in my mind over and over again.
I obviously have opinions about things. I disagree with people I adore. But social media isn’t the platform to air those things. And I want my kids to be friends – with each other first.
And even if we disagree, can’t we, especially as Christ followers, still just get along?
I get the struggle. I really do. When my kids fight, all my loud overreactions come to the surface, and sometimes spill over. I’ve hidden the people in my Facebook News Feed who won’t stop ranting. I’ve been quick to judge and slow to love.
On Sunday at church, our speaker that morning read from 1 Corinthians and I ended up landing on this verse from The Message when I was switching between versions:
“I have a serious concern to bring up with you, my friends, using the authority of Jesus, our Master. I’ll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Unity doesn’t mean uniformity.
While speaking Sunday at church, Caleb Reinhardt said, “Unity doesn’t mean uniformity.”
That’s truth, folks.
We all aren’t the same. Our political perspective may be different. How we dress and how we spend our time isn’t going to look the same. We have different filters through which we see life, thanks to our upbringing, our relationships, and our convictions. God has given us personality and preferences.
Regardless of where we come from and what we’ve been through, if we claim Christ and know the salvation that can only come because of the cross, then we need to let that be the foundation of how we treat people and how we live.
Personally, this week I’ve been thinking about how we all have different weaknesses and just because we don’t understand someone’s struggle doesn’t give freedom to react with harsh words or judgement. {Ouch!} Rather, I want to remember that love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:12-14
Fighting and grudges don’t fit in there. Making assumption to know someone’s stories doesn’t work. I know it’s hard, but we can choose the Christ-like characteristics that bring unity and love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19).
So, really, can’t we all just get along? Because isn’t the gospel at the core of everything we say and do? I’m definitely preaching to myself here. Let’s not abandon the grace of the cross with our misplaced rants and discord.
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Did you see the giveaway I posted earlier this week? Be sure to enter to win a copy of “Parenting With Grace and Truth” by Dan Seaborn.
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Great post. We were on the same page. Everyone has a story. We can’t discount or minimize their pain or reaction to it because we don’t understand. Because my children were older when they were adopted, they had much deep pain because of their past and we had to acknowledge that. We had to meet them where they were. We women need to do the same for one another. Great job! (And I love the new fonts!)
Yes, adoption, especially my kids’ birth moms, has been one area that has helped me learn this. But then I still sometimes catch myself getting frustrated with my kids’ behavior or other people I don’t understand. We are works in progress, that’s for sure! Thanks for being here with encouragement, Kathleen!
Oh . . . words of grace.
Thank you.
Words of grace are three pretty great words for this Wednesday too. 🙂 Glad you’re here, Michele! xo
Great post! Kristin, you brought such truth and expressed my very own thoughts. I love that the Scripture gives us two mandates: We MUST get along and we MUST learn to be considerate. Not much wiggle room there. He is telling us exactly His desire for us all. Have a great Wednesday!
This is one of those things that has been brewing in my heart and mind, so I’m glad it came out in a way that could encourage you while I talk to myself! I did make my kids read this scripture from First Corinthians the other day too. I’m so grateful His desires are to shape us into better people. Lord knows I can’t do it alone, even though I sometimes try! Thanks for being here! xo
Especially within the body of Christ. SO good. xo
ESPECIALLY. Glad you’re here, Susan!
Ahhh….getting along. Now wouldn’t that be wonderful?! I’m so grateful for your words today!
Thanks, Beck!y! I’m glad you could be encouraged.
Social media is on my last nerve right now. If it’s not making me disgusted with the world, it’s making my disgusted with myself. I say lets stick to cute dog pics and delish videos. 😉 I agree, friend – love is better and remembering that who folks are in an emotionally responsive moment isn’t who they are at their best. Great encouragement!
Somehow I missed your comment the other day! Anyway, I totally get social media being annoying these days. Thanks for being here and I’m glad you could be encouraged. xo
Somehow I missed your comment the other day! Yes, I’m with you! Thanks for being here and I’m glad you could be encouraged. xo
amen. and just looking at your teal swing gives me a little peace. Thanks, kristin!
My {real-life} kitchen is teal too. It’s my favorite! The official color is called Refresh and it truly does that for me. Glad you’re here, Sue!
“Let’s not abandon the grace of the cross with our misplaced rants and discord.” Amen, friend!
Love you.
xoxo
Love you! And I LOVE seeing your face here today. xoxo