by Richelle Hecker

Getting along for the sake of the Father.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

One thing that truly warms my heart is witnessing my children getting along. I love it when I overhear them off in another room planning an activity together, playing a game, or even just agreeing to watch the same t.v. show or movie. The most pleasant meal times are those when my kids are in agreement about a topic of discussion.

My children all have distinct personalities and it can sometimes be quite difficult for them to find middle ground. Frequently they are at polar opposites. For example, one of my children cannot tolerate the sound of music, while another cannot stop singing, humming, and tapping. They are so different from one another in fact that I’ve been asked, in a kind way, if they all have the same father.

We the church can get the same question from non-believers. Each Christian denomination of believers has its own way of expressing themselves. Sometimes we can get lost in arguments with one another, forgetting what brings us together. We all have the same Father, and it is His desire that we get along. Jesus prayed to the Father,

“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
John 17:22-23 New International Version

This photo is of my two sons holding hands. As you can see there is a large difference in age between them. I took the picture because it brought me joy to see them loving each other though they have no common interests. I know it brings our Heavenly Father joy to see us loving one another too. He desires that we are unified in order to glorify Him. Remember this next time you find yourself at odds with another one of God’s children. Above all things love them as Christ has loved you. Discover a way to get along, and please your Heavenly Father.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado