Hebraic Musing - How do we get “Unity” with “One Another”?
The phrase “one
another” appears 56 times in the NIV; 80 times in the NKJV and 93 times in
the ESV. Are we called to judge one
another, or to love one another? The NKJV tells us to “love one
another” 12 times.
Many will emphatically
say we should not judge because the Bible clearly tell us “Judge not,
that you be not judged.” Matthew 7:1 NKJV If that
is taken as an absolute command, it will not lead to greater love, but instead
it will lead to a kind of moral anemia. Could you imagine Christ walking mildly by the
moneychangers in the temple and saying to himself, “Oh well, I must not judge”?
No, he drove them out with a whip and
overturned their tables. He was consumed
by zeal for God's house (John 2:13-17). He was inflamed by the moral indignation that
human beings can stoop to in their sin.
To be Spiritually
discerning, we must make some judgments to discern the truth. “Therefore by their fruits you will know
them.” Matthew 7:20 The bottom line
is – We are called upon to be both loving and discerning. “The simple believes every word, But the
prudent considers well his steps.” Proverbs.14:15 And “Test all things; hold fast what is
good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21
We
are called to Walk in Unity.
Paul reminds us
with his personal testimony which applies to each of us. “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,
beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with
all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one
another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit,
just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord,
one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is
above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:1-6 NKJV Finally, “And be kind to one another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Can we achieve our
goal of unity if we become overly judgmental?
“Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be
like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you
may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also
received us, to the glory of God.”
Romans 15:5-7 But His Holy
Spirit does still remind us of our sins!
Our
goal in the family of God is to bring back the erring Brother/Sister.
Which is more
important? Winning an argument or bringing
back the erring Brother/Sister? “Brethren,
if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him
know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from
death and cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:19-20
How
then should we live?
Can we be
like-minded if one party is believing or promoting sinfulness? Paul answered that in Colossians. “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and
beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a
complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of
perfection.” Colossians 3:12-14
And let’s remember ♫ We are one in the Spirit,
We are one in the Lord. And we pray that all unity May one day be restored.
♫
In other words, do not judge, but instead we should ♫ “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,
and He will lift you up.” ♫ James 4:10
Points to ponder
How can we foster
unity in the body with so many differing denominations?
Is
there a difference between judging and discerning? Which is more loving?
Does
“Unity” mean we are all to think alike?
Does
our church and our nation need more “Unity” and love for “One Another”?
BTW, You are one
of my “One Anothers”
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of Christian Faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)” Weekly “Hebraic Musings”
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