If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18

The need to be right or correct in relation to the other can be a barrier to unity. Coming to agreement about a particular matter can make the path to unity more straightforward, however such unity that is dependent on being in agreement about something is potentially fragile. 

Paul narrates his personal ethic in Romans 12:9-12 and places it before us as an invitation. He introduces it with a discussion about not being conformed to this world and invites us to be transformed by the renewing of your minds (vs2). He then goes on to describe what this means in of the Body of Christ and affirms both difference and unity.  

One of the saddest realities of church life is that when we, as people of Christ, are not able to affirm and value each other in our difference. Various matters can serve to separate us… elements of theology, opinions about particular matters, history, or structures and systems of leadership. Such differences do not need to be barriers to unity.  When we are unable to value each other, we undermine our collective witness to the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ. 

Paul names our responsibility for not being separated from others when he says, ‘If it is possible, so far as it depends on you’. We are invited to prioritise ‘living peacefully with all’. It is not easy, and we can rely on God’s grace as we do this. Together we know that being in unity is far more important than being correct about something, and in our correctness, being apart. 

Rev John Gilmore

NCCA President