Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 2 Cor. 13:11–12
Have you ever considered just how out of place these words of Paul seem? In fact, just before these verses he warns the church in Corinth that he may have to come with Apostolic authority to discipline those who are acting contrary to the faith. Then, in what seems like a complete reversal, Paul calls for rejoicing, restoration, comfort, peacemaking, and affection towards one another. What gives?
The truth is that two things can be true at once. Paul is recognizing profound brokenness in the Corinthian church and must call it out, yet at the same time He has deep love for the church and desires that they experience that with one another. In our modern culture, we struggle to allow for this tension of correction and love. We value acceptance and encouragement far above rebuke and instruction. In many ways we have separated love from discipline, but the scriptures do not. True love can be confrontational, but the question is the posture of one’s heart in that confrontation.
In Matthew 7, Jesus provides an absurd sounding object lesson featuring a man trying to judge others with a log in his eye. Jesus is not saying judgment shouldn’t be made but that any judgment must first begin in our own hearts. Do we examine our own motives and desires before we accuse or correct others? This is echoed in Paul’s admonition in 2 Corinthians 13 when he calls the church to examine themselves to see if they are in the faith before calling them to brotherly acts of love. In truth, it’s from this place of humble examination that the “one anothers” of scripture can fully flow.
What does that flow of humility look like among the church? Consider the list that Paul provides:
- Rejoice with one another – Humility before the Lord brings joy to our hearts as we consider all that He has done for us despite our sin. This is especially true when we rejoice together as a church while reflecting on the gospel (see Rom 12:15).
- Seek restoration among one another – Humility does not allow pride to destroy relationships but confesses sin while seeking to make things right so that our unity of Spirit may be seen above any hostility in the flesh (see Matt 5:23-25).
- Comfort one another – Humility causes us to think of others before ourselves. This kind of selflessness leads us to enter into each other’s brokenness in order to bring hope and comfort to the afflicted (see James 5:16).
- Agree with one another – Humility helps us to be united in Christ even when we may disagree in lesser things. Christ-focused humility helps us to prioritize eternal things above earthly things or preferences (see Phil 2:1-3).
- Live at peace with one another – Humility never seeks revenge but endures misunderstandings and offenses for the sake of Christ (Rom 12:16-21).
- Show affection to one another – Humility transforms our perspective in such a way that we genuinely love and care for all who are part of Christ’s church (Rom 12:9-13).
Why is this important for the body of Christ at Heritage?
You have heard it said many times at Heritage that “we are a church of broken people all in need of God’s grace.” This should always be a reminder to us that our church body consists of people with deep struggles, profound hurts, big opinions, strong convictions, and unwavering skepticism. Whether inside or outside the walls of our church we always have ample opportunities to hurt one another, misunderstand one another, or blame one another. It also means we have ample opportunities to love one another in beautiful ways. This is especially true when you consider the large movements and potential changes coming to our church.
By God’s providence we are looking at building renovations and a constitutional vote all within the same year. Given the nature of these large-scale events, there are plenty of opportunities for confusion, or worse yet, contempt. So how do we engage in conversations that may be filled with differing opinions or convictions? It starts with a posture of humility and ends with the goal of seeing Christ glorified in our words and actions.
- It means walking with great patience and grace toward one another even as we share our thoughts and convictions.
- It means being willing to authentically consider other viewpoints or prioritizing our unity in Christ above anything else that could produce bitterness.
- It means doing everything in our power, both in word and deed, in order to live peaceably with all.
- It means trusting that our brothers and sisters are motivated by the same love of Christ and empowered by the same Holy Spirit that we are.
Brothers and sisters, remember that we are the unified body of Christ at Heritage Baptist Church. We are not opposing forces, but a family of believers who love Jesus and love one another. We can rejoice in hope because our God dwells in our midst and will guide our steps as we seek to be faithful in all that we do. Therefore, over the remainder of this year and beyond, let us commit to living out the “one anothers” of scripture in order that the watching world will see our love for one another and then look to the author of that love, Jesus.