Unity of Spirit

Had a great time today - first at our cell we shared fellowship and had a good discussion on 'removing barriers.' No doubt in the early days of Christianity one of the most marvellous thing was its astonishing unifying influence. The ancient world at that time was full of division. The Jews looked down on the Gentiles and there was much hatred between them. The Greeks looked upon those unable to speak Greek as barbarians. The Greeks considered themselves as the elite of society and looked with contempt on others. There was always the barrier between the free person and the slave. Slaves were regarded as living tools. There was the division between male and female, the latter had no legal rights.

The word of God declares -There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal. 3: 28

Barriers still exist in our society today, hence we hear the plea from the Prime Minister to be more gracious society. Some Singaporeans resent the presence of foreigners. Even among citizens there are differences.  We have a long way to go and much to learn. Let's seek God's grace to be gracious to others.

Blest be the dear uniting love 
That will not let us part;
Our bodies may far off remove, 
We still are one in heart.

Joined in one spirit to our Head,
Where he appoints we go,  
And still in Jesus' footsteps tread, 
And do his work below.

O may we ever walk in him, 
And nothing know beside, 
Nothing desire, nothing esteem, 
But Jesus crucified! 

We all are one who him receive, 
And each with each agree,
In him the One, the Truth, we live;
Blest point of unity! 

Partakers of the Savior's grace, 
The same in mind and heart, 
Nor joy, nor grief, nor time, nor place, 
Nor life, nor death can part. (Charles Wesley)