How to Live in Harmony

January 18, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:2

In a world as divided as ours is today, how can we learn to live in harmonious relationships with one another? I believe there is only one way, and it is the way of Jesus Christ. Paul writes to the church in Corinth to remind them of who they are – saints. Likely, this was not the description they would have had for themselves or each other; nevertheless, it is the name God had for them through Christ. It was grace, God’s grace poured out upon them through the work of Jesus that made the way for these men, women, and children to be called saints. Grace allows you to be in relationship with God and grace makes the way for you to be in relationship with people.

Notice how Paul does not say there is one saint but saints together. The church of God in Corinth, the church of God in our city, the Church of God throughout the world – the whole Church is called saints together. As Paul writes this letter, he longs to stir up the hearts of those in the church of Corinth and of course today. What unifies us as saints is that we call on the name of Jesus, and we trust in the work of Jesus on our behalf for salvation.

Do you view yourself as a saint? What about the people in your church or people in the church down the street from you? What about those Christians living throughout the world? Do you view them as saints? As saints together, we are called to be unified through the cross of Jesus Christ. Once we recognize all that Jesus has done to make the way for our salvation, can we lay aside our pride and agendas and see each other as saints together?

Only when we see ourselves and others as the Lord does can we experience the grace and peace that come from the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Then, as those who have received such abundant grace we can then extend that grace to one another and find our way back to relationship.

May the Lord empower his church today to see ourselves and one another through his eyes – saints together. And in seeing who we are in Christ, may we experience healing, reconciliation, and the faithful way forward together.

Reflection:

Ask the Lord to confirm your identity as a saint before him. Revel in his grace and goodness then ask the Lord to empower you to pour that grace into every relationship in your life. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

The Crucified Life small group Christian study is designed to reflect upon the Seven Last Words of Christ from the cross and what they mean for us today. Walk the road of Calvary with Jesus in order to grow closer to Him. The Crucified Life small group study examines human suffering as it is mirrored in Christ’s suffering on the cross and what His seven last words say to a hurting world. Find out incredible insights into these words as Jesus teaches us, even in death, how we can use our suffering and triumph over it for His glory. Begin your Crucified Life today.