The church is the family of Jesus.  He calls us to unity amidst our differences.  He also calls us to unity amidst our offenses.

Unity amidst Offenses

Put the same people together long enough and people will be offended.  This is true in families and churches.  Something will be said or done that will offend someone.  In some cases the words or actions were meant to offend, in other cases the offending person had no intention of offending, but someone is offended anyway.

In Matthew 20:20-28.  James and John have their mom (their mom!) ask Jesus if they can sit on his right and left in glory.  The other disciples are indignant.  Angry.  Upset.  Ticked.  Offended.  Yet a few weeks later after the ascension we find the disciples all gathered together with “one accord” (Acts 1:14).  There is no division.  No lingering animosity.  There was an offense, but it was dealt with.  They moved on as one family.

How we in the church today need to learn from those early disciples!  We will be offended.  We will offend.  But that is not reason to leave or divide or to become bitter.  It is an opportunity to recommit to the unity God has called is to.  We must strive to hold on to our oneness in Christ.  How?

Again, we return to Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:2 – with humility.  Pride refuses to let go of an offense, but humility will exhibit gentleness to the offender.  It will show patience towards each offense.  It will bear with the offenses of others in love.  In love.  As we have compassion for each other, we will be willing to let offenses go, to forgive as needed.  Humility and love will lead the offender to apologize to the offended.  Humility and love will work towards reconciliation, toward unity.

May God help us to grow in this humility and love that we might strive to maintain our unity even amidst offenses.