Common Unity

Two groups came together on a hot summer evening.  River Bend Church was a guest at Greater Zachary Baptist Church, and other pastors were invited to participate.  The words read from Scripture were like music to our ears: “Pursue peace with all…See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble.” (Hebrews 12:14) Dr. Gilmore, pastor a Greater Zachary Baptist of Fulshear, lifted up the theme for the night: “COMMUNITY” comes from “common unity.”  We’re all created differently and beautifully.  Our unity comes in our faith…we are all one in the Body of Christ.  Pastor John Crowe from River Bend Church in Fulshear invited all of us to welcome people around us…give them a hug and tell them, “I am not your enemy.” 

What if every city in this nation would act on the words, “…not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead.”  (I Peter 3:9)  Folks, our nation is hurting.  Christians, it is time for us to step up and really be peacemakers.  This is not new to our history.  We have influenced cities and nations before when hatred and evil want to be the rule of the day.  Christians, we know how to forgive.  This is our time to walk across the room and go the next cubicle and share Christ’s love…and yes, even tell them, “I am not your enemy.”  So you have been offended?  Who can measure who hurts more?  Give up your slogans that divide and figure out a way this week to show love and really forgive someone.  As the song says, “Change my heart, O God.” True peace in our communities begins with us.