LET THERE BE HARMONY

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

`How are we to do this? I can give you FOUR PRACTICAL ADVICE.

1st, Focus on what we have in common, not our differences

Let there be LOVE. Only LOVE.

     Let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of one another's character. We should take into consideration that we share the same life, same future, one hope, one faith and one love -far more important than any differences we could enumerate. These are the issues, not our own personal differences, that we should concentrate on. For unity's sake, we must never let differences divides us. We must stay focused on what matters most, and that is `learning to love each other. When we focus on personalities, preferences, interpretations or styles, division always happen. But if we concentrate on loving each other, harmony results. 

2nd, Be realistic in your expectations

     We must know the gap between ideal and real. Longing for the ideal while criticizing the real is evidence of immaturity! On the other hand, settling for the real without striving for the ideal is complacency. Others may disappoint you and let you down, but don't mind them. Instead be kind to them and love them. People become disillusioned with the church for many understandable reasons; conflict, hurt, hypocrisy, neglect, pettiness, legalism, and other sins. We must remember that the church is made up of real sinners, including ourselves. And because we're all sinners, we hurt each other, sometimes intentionally/unintentionally. Reconciliation, not running away, is the road to stronger character.

3rd, Choose to encourage rather than criticize
      It is always easier to stand on the sidelines and take shots at those who are serving than it is to get involved and make a contribution. We must not stand in judgement or look down on others whose convictions differ from our own. Whenever we judge other people, we expose our pride and insecurity. We should remember this, "it is only the Devil's job to blame, complain and criticize", every time we do the same, we're being duped into doing Satan's work for him. What we must do is to help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault.

4th, Refuse to listen to gossip

     Gossip is passing on information when you are neither part of the problem nor part of the solution.We know that spreading gossip is wrong! But we should not listen to it. Because gossip is spread by wicked people; they stir up trouble and break up friendships. Listening to gossip is like accepting stolen property, and it makes us only guilty of the crime. So when someone gossip to you, have the courage to say "Please stop. I don't need to know this", because those people who gossip to you, will also gossip about you. They cannot be trusted. A gossip reveals secrets; therefore, let us not associate with a babbler.

We know that during conflict, it is tempting to complain to a third party rather than courageously speak the truth in love to the person we're upset with. This makes the matter worst! Instead, we should go directly to the person involved. Private confrontation is always the first step. If we're unable to work things out between the two of us, the next step is to take one or two witnesses to help confirm the problem and reconcile the relationship.

There are many people in our community who are looking for love and a place to belong. The truth is, everyone needs and wants to be loved. And when they find a place to belong where genuinely love and care for each other, you would have to lock the doors to keep them away. :)

Imagine-John Lennon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIFY9h8DImg