OUR DAILY BREAD            Thurs., Feb.23, 1995
---------------

READ:  Ephesians 4:1-6

              WHEN WE DISAGREE

   "(Endeavor) to keep the unity of the
        Spirit in the bond of peace."

                    -- Ephesians 4:3

While visiting friends who are rock collectors, I
asked, "Do you believe that rock formations reveal
a very old earth?"  The wife answered first, saying
she thinks the earth is relatively young.  The
husband, on the other hand, said he believes there
is evidence that the earth is much older than many
claim.

Before leaving, I said, "You've taught me something
about the way Christians should deal with disagree-
ments.  You've been married for 30 years.  You're
still in love with each other, and above all, you
both love the Lord.  Yet you differ on when God
created the earth.  Your differences have not
destroyed your devotion to Christ and your love for
each other.  That's how it should be with Christians
on debatable matters."

Paul's plea for walking in unity does not suggest
that believers will see eye to eye on every issue.
What he does encourage, however, is an honest effort
to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Christians share in one body, one Spirit, one hope,
one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and
Father (Eph. 4:4-6).  And when this unity is coupled
with humility, gentleness, longsuffering, and loving
forbearance (v.2), debatable issues are not likely to
become divisive.
                                -- Dennis J. De Haan

        Although we often feel the urge
          To prove a point to others,
        We must respect divergent views
        Expressed by Christian brothers.

                                -- Murray


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           THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
-------------------------------------

     Our union with Christ is the basis
        for unity with one another.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Deuteronomy 23-25

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