Tag: Unity

Hope Over Division

Good Morning! The following is something I have been working on the last few days. Yes, it’s long, but I hope you will take the time to read it.

Today’s a new day! The last few days, I have had some friends decide their political beliefs were more important than the Gospel and our friendship. But sadly, this is nothing new.

Over the last few years, I have found it sad that some Christians just do not understand how someone who disagrees with their political beliefs could possibly be a Christian. So much division over something so trivial as politics.

But division among Christians is not new, and is not a surprise to God.

Conflict among God’s people is not isolated to one culture or even one generation. Conflict is inevitable. Opinions will differ. But if we are rooted in the gospel, we should be united in purpose.

As I have surveyed the landscape of America, I have found people from different socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities, political persuasions, and church denominations pursuing Christ with passion and commitment. I have found people finding unity in Christ, not political parties or politicians.

I have also been blessed to see Christians discover the gift of unity, even in disagreements. Sadly, I have also experienced some Christians allowing differences to end friendships. It is a choice we have to make daily.

I believe when Christians are truly united in the Gospel, we will be united in purpose.

In my journey, I have found that people do not always realize that we can have the same faith and have very different life experiences. In today’s heated culture, we may wonder if Christians can disagree and still remain united. For generations, across all nations and cultures, Christians have asked the same question. Is it truly possible to approach complex issues without losing our love for one another? I believes the answer is yes. It might not be easy, but if we truly put God’s love first I believe we can experience God’s unifying power to overcome our differences.

I also believe these three lessons can help.

Do not confuse differences with division:

In Revelation 7:9, we read inspiring verses about a great multitude gathered in worship before Jesus: 

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” 

In John’s vision, “every nation, tribe, people and language” praised the living God together. 

This beautiful picture gives us hope for eternity, but Christ-centered unity can feel distant today. When we struggle, I encourages everyone to not let our God-given differences evolve into manmade division. 

When we seek after God to help us guard against division, we can trust that He will work through our differences in His timing and in His way.

I do not look at nations, tribes, and tongues as something to divide us. Those are just characteristics, like someone being tall or short. We have made them into divisions, but God is the one who created those distinctions. It may be visible that people are different, but Revelation tells us we are not divided in the eyes of Christ. I truly believe God works uniquely within the Church through every time and culture. When division threatens God’s people today and leads to disagreement, we can pray for one another. Through individual prayer for others, even those we disagree with, God can soften our hearts and give us renewed patience.

Focus on what draws us together:

Through Revelation 7:10, we are challenged to focus on the One who draws us together:  

“And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

It is no surprise that the Bible talks about the diversity of the people while they stand before Jesus claiming Him as the one true God. There is a unity in what they are claiming. They are in agreement that all blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, and honor belong to Him. They are 100 percent focused on Jesus.

I believe this picture is a reminder that the One who unites His people is stronger than anything that drives us apart. When we seek God through His Word, He gives us a complete picture of His character. Through His Word we find wisdom, courage, and hope.

This picture of God’s people worshipping in unison should be a reminder to all of us to stay in a posture of humility. In today’s society, we are often encouraged to assume the worst about those who disagree with us. But there is room at the table for differences of opinion when Christ is our focus. We do not have to carry the burden of argument or debate. Instead, when we keep our eyes on Him and not others, we can pray, discuss, and enjoy being together.

When we look to Christ, we discover that Jesus gives us the wisdom and strength to navigate our differences without division.  

Put our faith in God’s promises, not people:

In Revelation 7:9-10, God reveals that He is worthy of our worship. The chapter closes with a beautiful picture of what we will experience in eternity under Christ’s authority: 

“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water,’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes’” (Revelation 7:17). 

In today’s culture, we are tempted to place our faith in people, denominations, political parties or human solutions. But leaders come and go, and even Christians can disappoint us. Revelation 7:17 reminds us that the Lamb who chose to die for His people is the same Lamb who rules for eternity. Jesus, who stands worthy of our worship, bends low to wipe away our tears.  

That is a promise. Even though we do not know what’s going to happen, we can trust that God is enough. We are reminded in Revelation that when we struggle through disappointment on earth, we can trust God’s promises for the future. With that in mind, we can meet our brothers and sisters in Christ with grace as we trust the Lord to reveal truth in His time.

What God has revealed for the future is enough to give us hope for today.

I pray you will spend some time reflecting on these words today. Walk and live in peace and harmony with everyone. Even those you disagree with. ~OC

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Today’s Prayer

Dear God, you are merciful and kind, we asked that you would protect us this day from the hate and division of this world. Dear Lord, allow us to be bright lights in a chaotic and dark world. Let us spend more time embracing our commonalities and less time fighting over our differences. Let us truly live out your commandments to love, care and serve others today. We pray all of this in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen

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A Difference of Opinion

Today’s a new day! On occasion, I post things that some people disagree with. There are times some of my friends post things I do not agree with. Guess what? It’s okay.

If we could only accept one another in all the different views and opinions that are out there, what a different place this world would be.

We all have an opinion. Nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong with stating our opinion. What is bad is when we expect everyone else to go along with our opinion.

That is when all kinds of arguing and hard feelings can happen.

We are all free to have our opinions yet we should accept the fact that not everyone will agree. Keep in mind our opinions may not be right and our opinions may change over time.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion and being free to state their opinion, but remember it is only one opinion. We should not expect everyone to go along and we should not get mad when others have differing opinions.

Accept one another and the unique ways God created us. Love and accept those who see things differently. That does not always mean we agree or condone what others do, but we are not going to always agree on everything anyway.

As we read God’s word in the Bible, we are instructed to love and serve others. To live a life where God is glorified.

We should not spend so much time worrying that others see things differently than us on certain topics. We should not get mad and fight and argue trying to convince people to see things our way.

As a follower of Christ , I follow him the way feel I believe he is leading me. Did you catch that? The way He is leading me. Not the way He might be leading you or someone else. If you happen not to believe in God, or follow another faith or do not believe in a god at all, follow your heart and do not try to force your views on others.

I believe God is big enough to work in each of us as He sees best. Rather than worry about forcing our opinions and views on others, accept the fact that we are all different. Love others and respect one another despite those differences. What a wonderful world that would be. ~OC

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Dear Christian,

Hello again. I am loving going through old journals and finding these writings that I have entitled “The Lost Letters of OC.” I wrote this back in 2019.

Dear Christian Brothers and Sisters,

I have wanted to write this letter for a long time, but I wasn’t sure it would do any good. Like you, I’m on my own journey.

I have been frustrated because it feels like Christians have stopped listening to the needs of others, unless it fits their agenda. Do you really care what non- Christians or people from other faiths really think or care about ? Do you truly care about your neighbor or coworker that feels like their life is filled with roadblocks? How about the neighbor who is struggling to just pay their bills? How about that neighbor who votes differently than you?

You talk about truth and the Bible in such a way that it seems like you’re shoving your faith down people’s throats. You often judge those around you. What you believe in appears more important than what the scriptures have to say. You make living out the Christian faith seem like an impossible task. I doubt anyone including other Christians could ever measure up to your standards.

To be honest, your religion seems to make you angry all the time. It’s a real downer when you continuously point out everything you find to be wrong in this world. You seem so against everything, it’s hard to believe you could really have anyone’s best interest in mind. Your complaints don’t exactly inspire anyone to give their life to Christ.

Dear Christians, stop rolling out this angry type of religion, and ask that neighbor or coworker about their life. People want to know you truly care about them. People are looking for Christians to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Life is tough. Some people are feeling empty and lonely. They’re feeling excluded by a group of people who should be making them feel loved and welcomed. So when you say, “Jesus is the answer,” your words ring hollow. People do not want to want hang around people who are always judging them or trying to set them straight.

What people really want to know is if you care about them as a human being. They need real friends who stand by them when they’re alone, afraid, or hurt. If you want to influence people, just act like a decent, kind and caring person.

Your Brother in Christ,

~OC

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Just Imagine

Good Morning ! Here is another “Lost Writings from OC” from 2018. I believe it still has some meaning in 2025.

Today’s a new day! Indulge me for just a moment. If you were God and you were planning on coming to earth. What kind of role would you take on in society?

Would you be a wealthy CEO?

A powerful politician?

A celebrity with social media influence?

Or would you choose to become a poor child, on the run from violence and oppression?

I believe there is something profoundly significant about the fact that God’s own son walked this earth as an undocumented child refugee.

This was no accident.

It was part of the divine plan all along. Jesus could have been born and lived as a prince, a wealthy landowner or the Chief Priest. But instead He chose to become a refugee – forever linking himself with the most vulnerable people on earth:

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. ~Matthew 2: 13-15

So, God’s heart is very much for the refugee. His own Son chose to become a refugee. To the point where Jesus proclaimed that, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me in.”

Whatever you do for refugees you do for Him.

Your posture towards the “caravan” of refugees is your heart’s posture towards Jesus.

God even calls them his “brothers” as a reminder that those who suffer should be considered as family members that you woud invite over for Thanksgiving or a BBQ (Matthew 25:40).

There are few themes repeated in Scripture more than the call to care for the orphan, the widow and the alien (or foreigner):

“So you, too, must show love to FOREIGNERS, for you yourselves were once FOREIGNERS in the land of Egypt.” Deuteronomy 10:19

“Cursed is he who distorts the justice due a FOREIGNER, orphan, and widow. And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’“ Deuteronomy 27:19

“Then I will draw near to you for judgment…against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the FOREIGNER and do not fear Me,” says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:5

So, how then should you and I respond, practically speaking, to what seems like an overwhelming refugee crisis?

There are four actions, I think, that would be Biblical, Christ-like responses to the humanitarian crisis that is currently unfolding. These are the ways I would want folks to respond if my own child or spouse were caught up in this refugee crisis:

SPIRITUALLY:

We must not lose hope.  We must not despair.  We must continue to to have Hope, because our world is not a closed system. God continues to infuse our world with hope, and Divine Love seeps through the cracks in our broken world.  Let’s continue to pray together for peace, for provision.  Let’s continue to petition and plead for, “On earth as it is in heaven….where there is no more pain or death or crying, and every tear is wiped away.”

1. Make them feel safe.

As refugees, they were forced to flee their country, leaving everything behind and running for safety with just the clothes on their backs. They’ve experienced much trauma. We should do whatever we can to make them feel welcome and safe.

2. Offer hospitality.

Perhaps the best thing you can do for refugees is to open your home to them. You can have them over for meals, or game night. You can invite them to social and family events so they can experience American culture at a Fourth of July cookout, a Thanksgiving dinner, or an Easter play.

3. Ask good questions.

When spending time with our new friends, we’ll have opportunities to ask them questions about their culture. We should be genuinely interested in them and their families. We can ask about their holidays and traditions, the things they do or don’t do, and why or why not. We might even try to learn some words in their language. Asking good questions shows them we care.

Christians should understand what it means to have someone care for you when you’re a stranger and foreigner. It’s what Jesus did for us.

4. Respect Over Fear

As we become friends with refugees, it’s imperative that we show love and respect. Not Fear.

Has Jesus not called us to love our neighbors, no matter the cost?

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18)

Yes, this can be a difficult calling. Only love can overcome fear. And that is why I appeal to you on the basis of relationship and familial ties. What if that refugee child were your own flesh and blood? What if they were your own son or daughter? What mountain would you not climb? What politician would you not lobby? What price would you not pay to see them brought to safety.

Only the kind of love we usually reserve for family can overcome the fear and selfishness that teaches us to close our doors and turn away from the refugees plight. But Jesus calls us to a different way, the way of peace, radical welcome and laying down our lives for others.

Will you allow that love to compel you towards action today?

I pray you will take time to reflect on this post. How would God want you to treat the vulnerable? How can God use you during this crisis? ~OC

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God’s Heart

Today’s a new day! Our hearts and treatment of immigrants and refugees should be rooted in and reflect God’s heart for the vulnerable. ~OC

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Truth

Today’s a new day! When the response to a sermon is outrage and a desire to censor takes root, there is a strong possibility truth has been spoken but rejected. ~OC

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Morning Prayer

A Morning Prayer. ~OC

Dear God, we lift before you the needs of our hurting world, knowing full well that your heart is already grieving for all the loss, the destruction and death in Washington D.C., Philadelphia and the needs around the world.

We pray for those who are hungry with no hope of being filled,
for those who are sick with no hope of medical attention,
for those who are fearful with no hope of rescue.


We come to you on their behalf asking for provision, for you are the Hope that does not disappoint.

God, raise up leaders in our nation and world who are courageous to stand against the evils of the world.

We wonder, Lord, sitting in our privilege and comfort, arguing about first world problems, if it’s even possible to serve you faithfully without running water or basic freedoms, so we pray that you would protect our brothers and sisters in Christ whose lives may be threatened because they have chosen to set their hope in your unseen Kingdom.

Enlarge our compassion, Dear God, for we are a distracted people who scroll past misery and then complain about our slow internet speed. Thank you that you are a God who can hold and respond to the pain of every nation, every man, woman, and child as if they were the only voice in your ear. Hold us in faithful prayer for our hurting world, for we dare not look away from the suffering of others lest we become callous, deaf and blind to your calling upon our lives. In Jesus’s precious name, AMEN

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Character

Today’s a new day!

Character is revealed by how those who hold power exercise that power. I can’t help but be reminded of the film “Schindler’s List” when Oskar Schindler confronts SS Officer Amon Goeth about what is power. Schindler believes it is demonstrating mercy while Goeth believes it is exerting extreme force. ~OC

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Beware

I wrote the following several years ago, but I believe it’s just as important today as it was when I first wrote it.

Today’s a new day! Dear Christian Community, the wolf is in our midst today and is barely disguised and yet many well-intentioned, faithful followers of Jesus continue to be deceived. Even to this day, after a mountain of evidence and even as the wolfish features glare beyond transparency, too many Christian leaders continue to do the unthinkable: to cover their eyes. They deny the presence of the wolf before them, some even doubling down on the impossible and imagined sheep-like credentials of this false idol. Enough. The shepherds of God’s flock must speak out, or they will continue to lead themselves, their flock, and perhaps even the country itself, straight into the wolf’s mouth. ~OC

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