Unity

As we approach another historic political election, this word is being used in many speeches. It is a compelling word that if put into action would certainly make this world a better place to live. The Apostle Paul spoke about it in 1 Corinthians 1:

I appeal to you brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Paul, of course was speaking about their faith beliefs so that there would be no division in the church. This included accepting that others may have different opinions but uniting on the basic message of the cross, redemption and salvation. The commentary in the Life Recovery Bible I use had a great take on this: 

To "agree with one another" does not mean that we should all have the same opinions and views on everything. Rather it means that we should be unified in our basic beliefs and tolerant of our differences when it comes to peripheral issues. In other words "don't sweat the small stuff".

Realizing that to some, the small stuff may be quite larger issues, we still need to remember that we are all Americans in a country that fought literally for its freedom and independence, that was divided once in a costly Civil War, but has survived to be the envy of most every nation for its ability to come together when it is all on the line.

All God asks us to do is love each other, respect each other and serve each other when it sometimes is the farthest thing from our mind. But unity, it not only can be traced back to the Bible, but it can be seen prevalent in the title of our nation.

The United States of America. Try loving your neighbor a little more today despite your differences, that might help!