“With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love.”
This letter was addressed to
"resident aliens" scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia,
Asia, and Bithynia. It was from “She who is in Babylon” which was the church in
Rome. It calls for unity that crosses cultural, race, and community boundaries.
Peter’s instructions to greet
each other with a kiss may be discouraged while practicing social distancing - but
the concept is to be enthusiastic and loving when we see each other. Not just
cordial, but really cherishing each other.
His refusal to allow unwarranted
division is illustrated with his support of both Mark and Silas …These two were
the counterparts to Paul and Barnabas after their argument regarding the
mission team. Their spat was one of the first “church quarrels”, and it shows Peter’s
refusal to pick sides and divide the body of Christ…This stubborn unity is noticeably
missing in the church today.
We divide into opposing camps
over the smallest issues. So much so that we are viewed as petty and insignificant,
instead of powerful messengers of God, and when we stand against actual sin - it
is seen as just one more negative in our confrontational organization.
We need action to change this
perception…Peter does not say to march for unity…He says to love each other at
a granular level. Stop bickering about the lack of love and spread some yourself.
Mother Teresa said, “If you want to change the world go home and love your
family.”
Don’t preach about it - model
it. You cannot legislate love, but you can demonstrate it. We are God’s children,
stop pointing and start hugging. Speak the hard truth – but speak it in love.
To clean up a garbage dump you
don’t have a discussion about it - you start picking up trash. Examine your
heart and remove any rubbish that has separated you from your brother. Love
each other tenaciously and change the world one heart at a time...starting with
yours.
“Love one another. We don't
need more instructions; we need more examples.”
Bob Goff
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