Hello Church: The Power of Unity

Have you ever had moments where you felt disconnected, not quite representing God's love as you should? Maybe others have felt the same way about you. These moments can sometimes leave a chilly impression of church, not the warm, welcoming community we aspire to be. But fear not, for there are moments of reconnection and re-centering.

Imagine being part of a church where unity, not uniformity, is the driving force that exemplifies Jesus' message to the world. We're diving into these principles: stewardship over ownership, prioritizing community over isolation, and practicing generosity over greed. Let's examine Jesus' prayer for unity and its significance in revealing God's love. Join us on this journey as we embark on a series we call "Hello Church." Unity is a central theme, a crucial element sometimes missing in the church. Disconnected moments often stem from a lack of unity—disagreements, personal agendas, and priorities misaligned with God's heart.

Before we dive in, let's acknowledge that unity is not a destination but a journey. A journey marked by growth and progress, not an end point. Just like my wife and I, who constantly pray for unity in our marriage, we understand that unity requires patience and effort. Unity isn't about our will; it's about God's will. In Ephesians 4 we can discover the profound significance of unity in our faith journey. Our goal is not uniformity but unity amidst our differences, reflecting God's love in diverse ways.

Stewardship over ownership is a vital principle. It's about using what God places in our hands for His kingdom, not just for ourselves. Community over isolation emphasizes that we're not meant to walk this faith journey alone. We're part of a larger family, supporting and uplifting one another. Lastly, generosity over greed reminds us that a life of generosity, beyond monetary aspects, is a lifestyle that benefits others. It's about having an open hand rather than a clenched fist, demonstrating God's generosity in our lives.

The early church in Acts provides a beautiful example of unity. They shared everything, worshiped together, and enjoyed meals with joy and generosity. Their unity attracted people, and each day, more were added to their fellowship. In essence, a unified church is a powerful instrument for reaching the unreached. Unity dispels doubt about Jesus' authenticity. When the world sees us united, it confirms God's love for them.

So, as a church family, let's commit to unity—unity that doesn't erase our differences but allows us to work together for God's kingdom. Let's prioritize stewardship, community, and generosity. May our unity speak volumes to the world, removing doubt about the love of God. Together, we can authentically show God's love to others.

Let's pray that God reveals areas in our lives where unity needs to be restored and that He moves us to action. Unity isn't just a concept; it's a call to live out our faith in a way that reflects God's love.