If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. –Romans 12:18/NIV

Who has not grown in Christ without personal restoration from time to time? Who has not grown with others in unity, and restoration where needed as well?

Christ still is alive in conflict. I’d prefer it not happen at all, and know the writers of the New Testament abhor division of any kind. I also know conflict sometimes is necessary for growth.

That’s what it’s always about, isn’t it?

There was a day in the 20^th century where debates were popular. I’d like to think there is still merit to those as the apostle Paul debated as well as taught on his journeys. The topics in my lifetime have included such as salvation, assembly, relationship with Christ, music, role of men and woman, end times, life, money, family, Sunday school, communion, and so much more. Some topics are elevated above others, some thought unimportant, some the way we do each topic, and so forth.

But I wonder if it would be better to have conversations, for I don’t know of any of the above that isn’t important to God. All are His construct, and His instructions on how things are handled create His Kingdom come to earth the way Christ prayed.

What if debates turned into conversations? What if we learned from each other? Scholars are definitely needed, especially when translating from original texts. But scholars are also human and subjugated to the same laws as their students under God.

I have been fortunate to know kind scholars. I don’t think I know an arrogant one, but have heard of heated arguments and arrogance defeating what might have been a conciliatory and educational debate. But that was so long ago, I cannot give an example, neither would I want to. I am no judge. I believe some of that is due to the fact that the world seems to feel smaller with technology connecting us all. While some may like a good fight (for I hear about such things on the internet but have not really experienced this myself), I for one prefer a good conversation. The relaxing atmosphere helps me learn better.

I know Christ could be tough with the religious leaders of the day, but in the end, He was accepting of any one of them whose eyes were opened like Nicodemus, Pharisee and Joseph of Arimathea, both members of the Sanhedrin, most of whom stood against Jesus as the real Christ.

No wonder they called Him Savior! He gave everyone a way out, a cup of cold water, comfort, loving truth, gentleness and stood against those who inflicted more spiritual, psychological and emotional pain on God’s creation; the religious leaders who were more interested in their made up rules to get God’s attention than they were in helping the helpless around them. They also seemed more attracted to a good fight and a “gotcha” stance than one of service.

But Christ cared to converse with those who came against him, whether through a surprise debate or a cornering tactic. He was gracious, but to the point, even warning those who didn’t recognize God’s will as being fulfilled through the person of Jesus. But Christ never threatened. A warning is a loving statement of redirection so as not to inflict more pain on oneself or others.

I thank God for His gentle redirection when I may be headed off course. He personally restores my soul with refreshment that can only come from Him. It is good of me to take good care of my walk, and let God tend to others.

And should we disagree on any point, may it be of opinion only that we may be united in the essentials; that Jesus was God, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was crucified innocent for every person’s sins and raised on the third day to show that he was God, arose and is seated at God’s right hand. The church established at Pentecost is now His body on earth sent into the world locally and abroad to teach Christ, assembling together, sing, baptize, have regular communion with the Saints, serving the world in Jesus’ name that all people have an opportunity at personal restoration with this loving God who loves us all so. And all doing so while living in private and public.

Oh that we may all love each other more and more every day, restore ourselves personally and with one another where called and resolve to be in each other’s corners in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer and til Christ take us home. For our Lord prayed for this unity before he ascended into Heaven, and how we continue to need it today as much as ever. There is more work to be done, but the good news is that so many are doing a marvelous job of being Christ’s unified body on earth, and for that God must be busting His buttons.

Amazing!