Hastings: Of unity and division

“I urge you, sisters and brothers, to be on your guard against those who foment trouble and put obstacles in your way … Steer clear of them. For such people don’t serve Jesus Christ, but rather their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.” — Romans 16:17-18 The Inclusive Bible

The above passage, written by Paul to the church in Rome, speaks to the blessed unity of believers in the early church. It is believed to have been written while Paul was on his third missionary journey, preparing to bring funds donated by other churches to the poverty-stricken believers in Jerusalem.

Because it would be months before he could make an in-person visit to the church in Rome, Paul wrote a letter that is still regarded as a great summary of the gospel and the living out of the faith in the past, present and future.

In particular, the letter to the Roman church speaks to the division between Gentile Christians who were in the majority and Jewish Christians who were in the minority. The former looked down upon the latter for continuing to observe Jewish dietary laws and sacred days.

Paul reminds people of faith what they have in common: all have sinned and failed to keep God’s wise law. All are capable of serving their own appetites. All are as vulnerable as the first people in Eden to smooth talk and flattering speech. All are vulnerable to unsuspecting deception. All are capable of stirring up trouble and putting obstacles in others’ way.

Likewise, all are blessed by a divine act of self-giving love which none deserved. All are offered the gift of God’s indwelling Spirit. The Spirit teaches how to discern between right and wrong, between that which builds up or tears down, between neighbor-love or self-service.

Paul commends believers for the ways they have already learned to live in unity. He reminds them to continue to let the Spirit guide their future.

God’s Spirit is a gift to be especially cherished in an election year. The Spirit will guide individuals and communities in discerning between leaders who cause division and those who promote unity.

The Rev. Celia M. Hastings has a master’s degree in religious education from Western Theological Seminary in Holland. She is author of “The Wisdom Series” and “The Undertaker’s Wife.”

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Hastings: Of unity and division