"United we stand. Divided we fall."
"In essentials - unity.
In non-essentials - liberty.
In all things - charity."
Mark 3:25 says a house divided against itself won't be able to stand.
Paul is appealing to all brothers and sisters in Christ to agree and to be united. (1 Corinthians 1:10)
We, as believers in Jesus, are brothers and sisters.
Our unity is in Christ.
Our identity is in Christ.
In non-essentials, liberty... Agree to disagree on the little things that are causing strife and division. There are some non-essential things that we may not agree on, but don't let those little things divide us.
We need to stand firm together, in one spirit, and in one mind. (Philippians 1:27)
Nothing else matters if we don't have unity in Christ. Our identity is in Christ. Once we can agree on the essential truth, then everything else will fall into place.
They will know us by our love for each other. This is where charity comes in. We are called to love and to give grace to others. (John 13:34-35, 1 Peter 4:8-10, Matthew 10:8)
Giving grace to someone is humbling, yet immensely rewarding with the gratifying peace of God.
We were saved by grace! (Eph 2:8-9) Not because we deserve it. We did nothing to earn it.
Giving grace to someone is not for them. No! Giving grace is for you...for your own sanity, your inner peace, your own personal joy. Don't let those little things take away your joy.
The joy of the Lord is my strength!
