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This week we join with Christians around the world in praying for unity. We know it’s a prayer in line with God’s will, as Jesus himself prayed that his followers may be one, as he and his father are one, so we know it’s a prayer we can utter with faith and confidence. It might at times feel that a huge amount of faith is required, and nothing short of a miracle, for churches to live in unity, but we believe in a God of miracles, don’t we!
It's very easy in an increasingly polarised society to focus on difference and disagreement, and let strong opinions and deeply held convictions drive wedges between us, whether that be in the church at large as we wrestle with ongoing debate about the blessing of couples in same-sex relationships, or in our own local congregations as we struggle with decisions about our mission or buildings, or changing worship patterns with fewer clergy. But the bible is very clear in many places that as Christian sisters and brothers we are family, we have a God-given unity, and we are somehow one.
Differences amongst us are not a surprise to God! He formed us, made us each unique, and drew us into a church community where we can each play our part and bring a variety of perspectives. That’s what makes church life and community so rich and deep. In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, one of the readings set for today, Paul explains that the Holy Spirit, given to us as we follow Jesus and come into God’s family, is the same Spirit in each of us, part of the same God. Yet that one Holy Spirit equips and enables us all differently, unleashing a smorgasbord of gifts and skills and ways of serving others. Paul gives examples of the variety of spiritual gifts God gives to us as his people, gifts of healing and prophecy and wisdom. Elsewhere he talks of people being equipped as pastors or teachers, leaders or evangelists. There are numerous passages where we glimpse how this makes for the rich variety of people who make up not only our congregations, but those of different denominations and traditions, here, and across the world.
And Paul writes, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” That’s what we need to remember as we focus on unity. As we come together with all our differences – different personalities, different opinions, different passions, different things we are gifted to do, we come together as the body of Christ for the common good. We overcome the challenge posed by difference for the sake of the world God loves, and we embrace the opportunity offered by difference for the sake of the world God loves. We pray for unity, however impossible it might sometimes appear, in order that we might be kingdom people, sharing hope and transforming our communities, as we live with values of love, compassion, justice and freedom. We pray for unity, even when it challenges us, in order that we might come together purposefully around our priorities as churches, finding ways to worship God which are open to all, creatively making disciples across different traditions, working to double the number of children and young people in our churches, doing so in multiple congregations and new worshipping communities which are different, yes, but united in their love for God and filled with the one Holy Spirit.
As we pray for Christian unity this week, let’s be the answer to our prayers as we pray them, seeking to build bridges, embrace and celebrate our differences, and work together for the common good. Jesus prayed that we may be one, as he and the Father are one. Let’s pursue that depth of relationship, and be thankful for all we share.
Amen