Last November, I had an appointment to consult with someone at a church office building. She sent me an email, advising me to call her when I arrived so she could unlock the front door, “because the building is still closed to visitors.” Of course, I recognized that such a precaution was an effort to be safe from coronavirus, but it set me to wondering: Are there ways in which we close the faith journey to others?
In this focal text (Ephesians 2:11-22), the point of separation is the line between Jew and Gentile. Today, even in the faith community, we sometimes divide up by race, by sexual orientation, by financial security, by age, by political view, and by many other labels. Does oneness in Christ mean that we cannot disagree with one another? Paul reminds us that we may not think alike, but we are shaped in Christ Jesus to love alike.
Here is the way John Wesley put it in his sermon “Catholic Spirit”: “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences.”
Paul says that Christ is our “peace” (Ephesians 2:14). Paul writes that Christ came to proclaim “peace” to those nearby and those far off (Ephesians 2:17). The apostle says that Christ has made “peace” by putting together one humanity rather than two. Paul chooses the word ĕirēnē when he speaks of “peace.” That word in New Testament language comes from a word that means “to join.” Joined, rather than separated! Love is able to join when life’s journey might separate.
Here’s an idea. I think I’ll print out Ephesians 2:11-22 and the next time I get angry with someone or get bent out of shape by another’s views or decide somebody is outside the fold of God’s care, I’ll read those verses and start to love the other person. Or, maybe I’ll just keep on choosing up sides. Which do you think I’ll do?
What Someone Else Has Said: John B. Cobb, Jr., (Grace and Responsibility, Abingdon Press) has written: “(John Wesley) contrasted this shared love with all of those doctrines, forms of church governance, forms of worship, and views of the sacraments, that in fact divided Christians and led to mutual animosities...But this is no reason to reject fellowship with those who identify with other Christian groups. What is essential is Christian love and that alone.”
Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Fill me with love, O God, and let it overflow into the lives of others I meet...”
