Building Bridges
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” ~ Ephesians 4:1-7 (ESV ~ emphasis mine)
My sweet friend Lori (Lori’s Reflections) visited family this past week in Phoenix. I had the opportunity to meet up with her for lunch again (we met the first time in May 2007). Not only was I able to hug Lori again; I also met Debbie (Heart Choices) for the very first time. What a precious time we had…we talked up a storm — really. The hour-and-a-half flew by in no time.
Let me tell you, my sweet sisters: there is nothing more precious than connecting with sisters of the same faith. Not only do I have the privilege to blog with these two precious sisters here on Laced with Grace, but was blessed to meet both of them in person. Yes, we do belong to different denominations, but that does not matter to me. We have One common denominator – we belong to the same body; the body of Christ.
We as Christians often are afraid of building bridges to other denominations (not sure why), but in all reality we are still one body. I guess that is an old issue. Reading the passage Paul penned close to 2,000 years ago, there were already differences back than.
I remember a sermon from years ago my pastor preached about the different denominations. Although I don’t remember all the details, but the cartoon that was on top of the sermon notes is still fresh in my mind’s eye…
The cartoon showed heaven…there were many doors with different labels: Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Adventist, Assembly of God etc…But looking behind the doors there was just one big open field. Even though the people walked through different doors — at the end they were all together in one big place 😉 …
Girlfriends, let us build bridges this side of heaven. You see, at the end are all together in one big place that is called heaven…
Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank You for Your sacrifice. Thank You for laying down Your life for us so that we may spend eternity with You. Lord, help us to reach out, build bridges, encourage each other as the road of life is a bit rough at times. We are trusting in Your mercy to unite Your body of believers. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen.
AMEN AND AMEN! Our pastor once told us about a dream that John Wesley had. He got to heaven and ask God are there: Baptists, Methodist, CRC, etc.. here and God said no there are only believers! I am uncomfortable with denominations even though I belong to one. We are all one IN Christ, we should act like it more. I often think of the verse which says “a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand”. We need to remember we are on the same side.
Amen to that Iris. We are ALL called His children! If we can’t get along on this side of heaven … might be alittle difficult in His Presence. -love ya.
Such a wonderful post, bless you my friend.
Beautifully said Iris – and so very true.
my spam word was “peace” kind of fits, huh? AMEN. Hugs.
Awww, this is so sweet and true! Thanks for sharing.
Have a blessed weekend!
Majoring in the majors and minoring in the minors came to my mind. It’s important for us to agree on salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone. Beyond that, we need to extend love and agree to disagree if need be.
Thanks for this great post, Iris!
Beautiful post, so great to be able to meet up and fellowship with friends.