Listen

There are different spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; and there are different ministries and the same Lord; and there are different activities but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Think

Identifying our differences seems to be a running theme. We value the freedom to choose as we so desire, and we seek to honor differences among us. It’s a valuable practice for our society to respect our differences.

With all this attention towards our differences, however, we might be missing the forest for the trees. We humans have a lot more in common than our differences may lead us to believe. We share a desire for health and happiness, for wholeness and well-being, for love and safety. We want our communities to flourish, our education to inspire, and our beliefs to matter. Faith in the goodness of humanity, hope for tomorrow, and love that makes a difference — these we share in common.

And as people of the Christian faith, we believe in the One God whose Spirit unites us in the redeeming grace of Jesus the Christ. No matter our differences, this same Spirit blesses us with life abundant. For this, we can say all together: Hallelujah and amen!

Aram Bae

Pray

Spirit of the Holy One, I thank you for your uniting love. Remind me of the oneness we share because of your all-redeeming grace and love for creation.

Help me to look for what I share in common with those whom I find most difficult to love and forgive.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Go

May God the Creator bless you and keep you safe today.

May Jesus the Christ smile upon you and be gracious towards you.

May the Spirit of Life lead you in the path of wisdom and peace.

And all of God’s people say: Amen!