DIFFERENCES IN THE FAITH COMMUNITY


Image result for cooking spices and herbs public domain
Ephesians 4:1-6

“Variety is the very spice of life,
That give it all its flavor.”
     William Cowper’s poem, “The Task (1785)



What I’ve learned in cooking is that a variety of spices will blend together and bring out and enhance the flavor of the basic ingredients of the dish.  Without them, food would be bland, and if we depend on only one of them, that particular seasoning may overpower the taste of the dish.  So too can the life and "flavor" of a local church become if its members are all the same.

Diversity in a community of faith is a wonderful spice in the life of a healthy church -- diversity in ages, economic groups, educational levels, ethnicity, life styles, and opinions.  This is why:

1.      Our ideas and beliefs are informed, strengthened and enriched by being in conversations with people who are different than ourselves.

2.       In the church, the Holy Spirit is present and active in our relationships with each other and gives each person a part of the truth about what it means to be a faithful Christian.  This is especially helpful when we are seeking to discern God’s vision for us as a church and answers to questions and challenges facing the church.

Differences, when sanctified by the Holy Spirit, respected and responded to with the love of Christ can be a benefit to the whole church, as long as we remember and celebrate that which we all hold in common.   Remember Paul’s words from Ephesians 4:1-6:

“I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called,  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort 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 of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism,   one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.”



*TIPS FOR FAITHFUL AND RESPECTFUL DISCUSSIONS
  • Realize that the Holy Spirit is present and active in the conversation and has given each participant a part of the truth you are seeking to discern.
  • Follow the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” – even when you disagree with them.
  • Listen respectfully and carefully to others.
  • State what you think you heard someone say and ask for clarification before responding, in an effort to make sure to understand each other.
  • Speak honestly about your thoughts and feelings. Share personal experiences to help others more fully understand your concerns and perspectives on the issues. Conversations can be passionate and still be respectful, civil and constructive.
  • Speak for yourself, rather than as a member of a group.  Use “I” statements rather than “You” statements.
  • Focus on ideas and suggestions instead of questioning people’s motives, intelligence or integrity.
  • Look for and lift up points of agreement as well as disagreement.
  • Create space for everyone’s concerns to be spoken, even when they disagree.
  • Seek to stay in community with each other even though the discussion may be vigorous and perhaps tense.
  • Keep an open mind and heart.  You may not hear if you judge too quickly.
  • Pray for God’s grace to listen attentively, to speak clearly and to remain open to the vision God holds for all of us.
[Adapted from “Ground Rules for Conversation” (Evangelical Lutheran Church Department for Communication) and “Seeking to be Faithful Together” (adopted by the 204th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, USA)

*Resource:  “Tips for Faithful and Respectful Discussions,” http://www.ucc.org/ourfaithourvote_discussion

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