Today, we are offering some good news, in these weeks before such a polarizing, divisive election season.
As Christians, in a world marked by division and strife, we are called to embody the reconciling work of Jesus Christ. But what does this look like? The Apostle Paul reminds us that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). These are not just ideals, but a charge for daily living, transforming us and our communities from the inside out. If we live by the Spirit, we are called to keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).
We praise God that on Tuesday October 7, 2024, 75 Christian leaders from very different ethnic, theological, political, and generational backgrounds joined together for a conversation on their hopes and concerns as Christian leaders in this election year. While conversations on politics can often lead to an entrenchment of positions, the structured dialogue enabled many to grow in understanding in the stories and values behind our differing perspectives, allowing God to spiritually form us through actively practicing the fruit of the Spirit.
The evening closed with an invitation to sign a daily charge to keep in step with the Holy Spirit and embody the Fruit of the Spirit by following the example of Jesus Christ, who calls us to love unconditionally and values every person as created in God’s image, even in the face of disagreement or division.
We praise God for the 60+ leaders who signed indicating their commitment to Keep in Step with the Holy Spirit. We invite you to also consider upholding this same commitment in these days leading to the election and the days proceding.
In a world where polarization is high and divisions can seem intractable, we praise God for the fruit born through individuals taking even one step closer in relationship with God and neighbor as together we seek to bear witness to Christ’s reconciling work and shalom in the world.
A Daily Charge to Keep In Step With the Holy Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. […] If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-23, 25
As we go forth, we desire to live inspired by the example of Jesus Christ, who calls us to love unconditionally (Matt 22:37), and values every person as created in God’s image (Gen 1:27), even in the face of disagreement or division.
We seek to embody the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives, giving honor to all parts of the Body of Christ (Gal 5, 1 Cor 12):
WITH LOVE, we seek to bridge divides, stay curious, and pursue understanding.
WITH JOY, we seek to uplift one another and celebrate our shared faith.
WITH PEACE, we seek to become peacemakers in a world often filled with conflict.
WITH PATIENCE, we seek to listen deeply and respond with grace.
WITH KINDNESS, we seek to embody actions that reflect the compassion of Christ.
WITH GOODNESS, we seek to stand firm in our convictions while respecting others.
WITH FAITHFULNESS, we seek to remain committed to God and to one another.
WITH GENTLENESS, we seek to speak words that heal and build up rather than harm.
WITH SELF-CONTROL, we seek to temper our responses with wisdom and love.
As God’s people, we remember the call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). We go from here, as ambassadors of Christ’s love, empowered to be peacemakers in our communities (Matt 5:9). May the Holy Spirit guide you, strengthen you, give you endless grace, and fill you with hope as it is only together that we bear witness to Christ’s reconciling work and shalom in the world (Rev 7).
Prayerfully Crafted by Shelton Oakley Hersey and the Unite Boston Team
Sign This Charge
We invite you to comment on the post below to publicly commit to walk in step with the Holy Spirit. By signing this pledge, you commit to living daily in step with the Holy Spirit, embodying the Fruit of the Spirit in your life and relationships, with God’s help.
Let’s move forward in faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as peacemakers in our world. Join us today and sign this pledge to keep in step with the Spirit!
#KeepInStepWithTheSpirit #HolySpiritCharge #FaithInAction
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