Dear friends,

Welcome to church, especially if you are new or visiting as a guest. We are glad that you are here to share this morning with us.

Over the last few weeks we’ve been working through the Book of Romans. Paul wrote the letter to promote and ensure harmony in the church. He wanted everyone in the church to get along with one another. This isn’t purely for social reasons. Church unity is a direct outcome of the gospel which locates us under the lordship of Christ.

Unity doesn’t dismiss differences of opinion. It is good and healthy to express views which maybe contrary to others but said in the interests of our church family growing together in Christ. Our church governance encourages the expression of different views in Session, Committee of Management and congregational meetings. The way views are expressed are often as important as the views themselves. People who love Christ and love his people will express their views in a loving way.

Here are a few practical ways you can be a unifying church member.

Pray for the church. Be intentional about prayer and about what you’re praying for. One of the ongoing questions you should ask yourself and God in prayer is, “How can I best serve my church”? No church grows without prayer. Everything we have done and everything we will do relies upon prayer. We make a point of praying together at church lunches because prayer promotes unity and a sense of shared mission and purpose.

Encourage the pastor and staff. I don’t mean only for myself and Dale. I mean for those in any leadership position. Affirm the elders who oversight the affairs of the congregation. Words of encouragement mean a lot because I hear more criticism that you can imagine. I few kind words go a long way. I love a smiling face and a happy handshake. I’m delighted when people encourage me to stay godly and are patient with my shortcomings.

Encourage other church members. We should be encouraging one another. Through the challenges of life we need encouragement. It takes effort to be godly. I want to encourage gospel growth in those around me. When Paul wrote to the Romans, he said, “I long to see you that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Rom 1:11-12). If you want to be a unifying church member, be that person who is constantly encouraging.

Give abundantly. This has more to do with the attitude of the giver than the amount of the gift. Generous giving reflects a commitment to our church vision and a willingness to empower others to fulfil that mission. Remember the story of the widow’s offering (Lk 21:1-4). She gave very little but gave abundantly because her heart was right with God. Unifying church members contribute to the mission of the church out of love for Christ and his church.

Don’t gossip. It is unhealthy and can hurt the ministry of the church. Gossip undermines the unity of the body of Christ. In Rom 1:29, Paul mentions gossip in his list of rebellious behaviours. When you hear gossip please discourage it. A good way to deal with gossip is to change the subject and mention something positive. Gossip undermines the body of Christ. Unifying church members don’t gossip.

Forgive others. Grudges and feuds undermine church unity. People holding enmity toward others is divisive and tears down a church. Negativity is always noticeable by others which creates frustration and discontentment. Jesus said it clearly, “For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your Heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing” (Matt. 6:14-15).

Let’s enjoy our unity and treat it as a gift from God.