When I live in Texas I was surrounded by Big 12 and SEC fans. Being an ACC girl myself I would instantly be drawn to anyone who would watch games with me… even if they were Duke fans! As a mom I find that I can carry on conversations with any other mother, no matter how different we are. There is something within us that draws us to people with common interests, hobbies, and life experiences. But what draws us to fellow believers is deeper and stronger than any sports fanaticism or maternal affection. We are truly on the same team, listening to the same coach although we play different positions. The bond between believers is indeed supernatural – something that those who have not experienced it cannot comprehend. We are kindred. We grieve together, love one another, and share in joys. We ache for our persecuted brethren and rejoice when God receives glory around the world.
I remember worshipping with African believers, attempting to sing songs in IsiXhosa from a hymnal. Although I didn’t know what I was singing, the spirit behind the song was completely apparent. I imagined heaven filled with every tribe tongue and nation – all singing praise to God. (Hopefully then I will supernaturally understand the lyrics.) Interacting, praying, and worshipping with people who for all intents and purposes were my polar opposite was beyond natural. We all had access to the Father by the Spirit within us.
The only way to truly bring people together is through the cross. Because we are forgiven we forgive. Because our grave sins against God are overlooked, we find that his strength within us allows us to forgive those who sin against us. Christ’s blood covers the sin that separates us from fellow believers. Our hearts are turned from our own selfish interests toward the needs of others as we grow in spiritual maturity. God can turn enemies into friends and melt hearts of stone. He can bring true peace on earth. He himself is our peace.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. - Jesus
A few years ago, my husband and I went on a mission trip to Guatemala. We helped build a church in a small village where no one spoke English and we did not speak Spanish. I will never forget a church service that I attended there. My mind did not understand one single word in the message or the lyrics of the songs but my heart did and the bond I felt with those people was undeniable.
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