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We often hear that differences are our downfall. Turn on the news or scroll through social media, and it's clear—if you don’t agree with someone, you’re supposed to argue with them, dismiss them, or worse, turn your back on them. But here, at Broad Street, I pray we see things differently. We are a purple church, and that means we celebrate the fact that we don’t all think the same, vote the same, or even believe the same things. And you know what? That’s a beautiful thing.

John Wesley once said, “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike?  May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion?  Without all doubt, we may.”  He knew that our differences don’t have to divide us; they can actually bring us together.  We may have different opinions, but we can still be united in our love for Jesus and for one another. 

The Bible talks about this idea of unity in diversity.  Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12: “For the body is not one part but many.”  We’re not all supposed to be the same; each of us plays a unique role.  Think about it—how boring and incomplete would the body of Christ be if we were all just one part?  We need each other’s differences to fully reflect the love of God in this world.

Imagine what would happen if we approached conversations with genuine curiosity.  Instead of feeling the need to prove someone wrong, what if we just listened to understand?  What if we looked for those moments of connection where we could say, “I may not agree with you on this, but I see where you’re coming from, and I respect that.”  Wouldn’t that change the way we interact, both in person and online?

Too often, we let our differences lead to arguments and divisions.  But does that really serve us?  Does it bring us closer to the way Jesus lived and taught?  Jesus spent his time with people from all walks of life, people who didn’t always agree with him or even with each other. Yet, he loved them all the same. When we choose hostility over humility, all we’re doing is pushing each other further apart.

Harmony doesn’t mean we all have to sing the same note—it means finding a “common pitch” in our shared love for Jesus and our commitment to follow God.  As Romans 12:16 says, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”  Humility is hard—especially when we’re passionate about something—but it’s what we’re called to as followers of Christ.

Peace isn’t about agreeing on everything; it’s about finding a way to coexist, to love, and to support one another even when we see things differently.  And let’s be honest, our world desperately needs to see that kind of peace right now. 

So, here’s what I ask of you: the next time you find yourself in a conversation that feels politically or socially charged, take a breath and remember this—“Peace be with you.”  We say it every Sunday to one another,  but can we live it out every day?  Can we commit to being a church that values peace and love over being right? 

Let’s be the kind of church that shows the world there’s a better way.  A way where differences are not just tolerated but embraced as part of the beauty of God’s creation.  Let’s be that purple church that shines the light of Christ’s love, even—and especially—when we don’t agree.  See you Sunday!

Peace, Pastor Tracy