Minister’s Corner

Much of living the Christian life comes down to how well we get along with other people. Scripture makes it plain that God places tremendous value on unity, and the Apostle Paul stressed unity repeatedly throughout his letters. But, sometimes, we run up against people who try us in different ways. There are some people who just rub us the wrong way, or they are argumentative, or they are just unpleasant to be around. The ability to get along with others requires a great deal of effort, and, for the most part, many people are unwilling to put out that effort. They would rather just disassociate from people who are difficult. But is that what the Lord wants from His children?
God wants His children to walk in unity and brotherhood. It isn’t easy, but it is a command from the Lord. The Lord said, as recorded in John 13:35 KJV, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” When we come across individuals who are difficult to get along with, Paul tells us in Colossians 3:12-14 KJV, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Paul tells us to put these attributes on when you are dealing with others. Some people think this seems hypocritical, but it’s not. If you feel dislike for another person who is difficult and show them kindness, you’re not being hypocritical. You’re being holy.