“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5
In music, harmony adds dimension and fullness to the melody. Its different parts work together to enhance the song, adding flavor and depth.
The same is true of the family of God. Individuals don’t do and say the same thing, but all of them work together, each using their unique gifts and abilities to bring depth and dimension to the ONE purpose.
And there’s the rub. Working together brings friction, conflict, and tension.
We all are familiar with this chafing, but often we fail to see the beauty that comes from the abrasiveness. It is in the friction where beauty is born.
Working together with other people who are broken and imperfect like us is God’s beautiful design.
We are like rocks in a stream: bouncing, rubbing, and polishing off each others rough edges.
So, let’s welcome the tension, open the door to conflict, and allow it to refine and perfect us.
If you find yourself in conflict with another follower of Jesus, don’t be surprised. Remember, we’re all still in the process of being perfected. Peter tells us, “And you are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple.…” 1 Peter 2:5 (NLT)
Know this: God wants to use this friction in your life to polish you into a beautiful living stone for all the world to see!
Heavenly Father, I know You designed family. It’s part of Your plan, but I confess there are times when I don’t like the pain that comes with it! I want to run and hide. I want to escape the hurt, throw it to the winds and be done with it. But teach me to STAY, to embrace the pain and see the beauty. Amen.
By Kristi Huseby
Used by Permission
FURTHER READING
• Wisdom for Life’s Trials – by Charles Stanley
• Trials and Triumphs Together – by Christa Hardin
• Faith Through Trial – by Charles Spurgeon
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