Family United
It’s that time again between Christmas and New Year when I’m not quite sure what day it is! I hope you are well and still working your way through the leftovers!
For many, Christmas is a time to get together with family and enjoy giving presents, eating and drinking, playing games, watching a movie or two and going for walks together.
These family gatherings can be big and inclusive, often with at least one wacky relative somewhere in the mix! The desire to be together means that everyone has to give and take a little. That may mean sitting on and old garden chair squashed in the corner of the room whilst eating your turkey and sprouts!
I love the image of everyone being together, as it’s like a snapshot of the ‘church’. The Bible describes the church in a variety of ways, one of which is a family. The church is God’s great big family made up of people of all ages, different genders, abilities, backgrounds and cultures.
Its unity is what makes it special. And that was something Jesus prayed for...
“The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind. Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.”
The unity of the church is a powerful demonstration of how God can bring, and keep together people from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds.
As we head towards 2022 let me share three things from my experience, that will help keep unity in a group:
None of us are perfect: We all have a backstory and are a ‘work in progress’, or ‘on a journey’. It’s God the Holy Spirit who points out the areas that need to change in us. Give people space to change. Try to see things from their perspective. Let grace triumph over judgment.
You don’t always get what you want: Being part of a group will mean compromise at some point. There will be times when things don’t go your way. Pursue the greater good of the community. Check your motives (pray about it) and don’t be a selfish person. Put others first.
Preserve relationship: We are designed to do life with others. I believe the highest priority should always be to keep and protect relationships. That means a lot of listening, understanding and talking, preferably in person... over a good cup of coffee, wine, beer or whatever!
In the last few days of 2021 let me encourage you to ponder these three things all set for 2022...
If you have questions about God, faith or the church then why not sign up for the Alpha Course we are running in the new year on Zoom? Alpha is an opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment, all from the comfort of your own home!
Find out more about Alpha here
God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader