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Thursday, June 9, 2011

The Fruit of Unity

I recently watched a great video highlighting the collaboration of various churches and organizations in Philadelphia, PA who had banned together to help protect the rights of the homeless in their city. A bill had been introduced to give police more flexibility in issuing citations and arresting those who are experiencing homelessness. Many times cities do this to try to get the homeless off the streets to make their city "look" better to tourists, etc. and increase revenue. This is no way to solve a problem, for it is no solution at all.

Due to the overwhelming response from Christian organizations and churches the bill did not succeed. It reminded me of how God calls us, within the Body of Christ, to have unity with one another. When we work in harmony and recognize the elements that we have in common, and agree to disagree on the differences, anything can be achieved. For when our eyes and hearts are fixed on God, our hands joined together and all parts of the Body are aligned and functioning properly, anything is possible. For when God is for us, what can possibly stand against us?

The fruit that was born through the unity of these churches banning together was the promotion of compassion and empathy. They dropped their potential doctrinal differences for the pursuit of peace and to shine the light of Christ among the poor, letting them know that they have advocates. Letting them experience the love of Christ in action.

Below is the video. I found it inspiring and would love to hear your thoughts! 







Some verses that speak of unity:


Ephesians 4:2-62 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Psalm 133:11 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

John 17:2323 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

1 Corinthians 1:1010 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.



Any thoughts? I'd love to hear them! Please leave them in the comments section. Thank you!

17 comments:

  1. I agree yet please? I understand the protests but wouldn't it be better than spending money on banners, posters, tee-shirts and the government permission to have police guide the parade to be actually used for the homeless?

    I understand it needs to be put out there but really? Get out there and help!

    I'm sorry for those that think marching in the streets will help when in the next few minutes someone, a man, woman, or child needs shelter!

    To me this is self promoting bullshit! You want to make a difference to someone's way of being you go to them and help!!!

    Thank you Jessica

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  2. I think the parade was a great idea in raising awareness. It showed strength in numbers, sometimes you have to make a fuss for voices to be heard. It draws the media's attention and makes the public more aware of what is going on. The petitions and letters hold even more weight but the thing is, many people don't even know what bills are up and being considered in the legislature...Life gets busy and people just have a lot of other things to think about. So when something important comes up, and threatens to take away the rights of the oppressed, it's important to raise awareness of that.

    The signs might have been an excess...at the same time, the objective was acheived. And many of these organizations that were represented during this whole thing actively help the poor, not just raising money or awareness but working with them, hands on. They are to be commended for they walk the walk, while many of us talk the talk.

    Thanks for your thoughts. Blessings.

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  3. hu humm! NO me lady.. I beg to differ!
    With these so called helpers, it is just a brand name for their organization to get more funding! I am sorry I do walk the walk! I am not well off but I will give to someone more needy. So no! Spend the money on shelter instead of getting your face in the paper! A simple signed consensus gets the job done. This is definitely self promotion with no gain for those that need help..

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  4. I never said you didn't walk the walk :) I know you have a big heart! I see your point, but I realy don't think they intended it to be self promotion but promoting for the rights of the homeless.

    I respect your point of view. I, do , believe though that regardless of the means implemented in bringing about the ends, this was a great display of unity and showed what can be accomplished when we work together in Christ. Ialways appreciate all the comments I get here, because it just goes to show all the different interpretations on events people can have.

    ~blessings

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  5. love you too Jess! never forget that.

    just stop the propaganda and deal with the issue, the people....

    CHEERS A

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  6. Thanks Jessica, I was nearly in tears watching this video... nearly :-) God calls on His people to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves, to seek justice for those who are oppressed and to preach the gospel with actions as well as words. I knew the moment you said it was Philly that the Simple Way must be involved. That organisation seems to have their hearts attuned to God's heart. Thanks for the post :-)

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  7. Yes, The Simple Way was one of the groups involved :) I love Shane Claiborne's group....they truly live out the gospel! I found the video touching too. May it inspire us all to become more united to spread the love and message of Christ. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your great comment :)

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  8. I am all for solutions and compassion instead of blaming and judgments. I especially love it when churches stop arguing about which religion is right and walk the walk.

    "They dropped their potential doctrinal differences for the pursuit of peace and to shine the light of Christ"

    What I always wonder is why do they have these doctrinal differences if they are following Christ? I don't remember any words of Christ instructing us to compete with one another.

    I do remember that Christ said we will always have the poor and told Judas not to judge the woman who washed the feet of Jesus in expensive oil, because she knew that Jesus would not be with them much longer and she wanted to show her love for him.

    Showing Love and doing what we can, when we can, is following Christ to me.

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  9. I particularly love what you have written here: "For when our eyes and hearts are fixed on God, our hands joined together and all parts of the Body are aligned and functioning properly, anything is possible. For when God is for us, what can possibly stand against us?"

    This is so very true!!

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  10. Hi Jessica:
    Ya know what that video proves to me?
    The power of a few over the power of the many. Today too many people are reluctant to stand up against the opposition, because they feel like what's one person going to do in the front of so many?

    One person can make a difference.
    A few CAN make a difference. The video above proves it. Good for them!

    Be Happy! Be Well! Be Positive!
    Blessings to you.
    --
    Chris

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  11. I wish we would forget our differences - between Churches and religions too and start reaching out to people in need with love and humility. Thank you for sharing, Jess.

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  12. Carol, thanks for stopping by and I completely agree with you. "Showing love and doing what we can is following Christ to me." Jesus was our truest example of compassion and love and he demonstrated how we are to extend ourselves to one another.

    ~blessings

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  13. Mari...thank you for stopping by :) I'm glad you enjoyed the post. ~blessings

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  14. So true Chris! May we never forget the power that a single, or a few, dedicated voices have over the powers of injustice. Time and time again, individuals have shown that a few can triumph over the many. Unfortunately, many times that seems like the very excuse many use in not becoming involved...that they feel, they alone, or in a small group, can have no impact. It's time to get inspired by change and become the change we want to see ourselves!

    ~blessings

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  15. Corinne,

    Me too! Thanks for stopping by :) ~blessings

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  16. Running against the current Jessica... issues in Philadelphia or in my country regarding bills to be passed are temporary solutions. More than us, the government has to hear their protests because it is their responsibility to provide shelter to the homeless... What they ask for are jobs not houses. The government should provide them the means to catch the fish...

    For us as Christians, we are also asked for charity. I remember, one of my spiritual fathers literally lived with the vagabonds in one of the cities in Italy and he ministered to them... geez, this could be something beyond everybody...

    But God inspires each one of us to be creative in helping people out ;)...

    I am one with the cause .

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