One

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one Body – whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free – and we were all give the one Spirit to drink.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

There is a word that is used repeatedly in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 – One. Five times the Apostle Paul writes about the Body of Christ being “one.” Before the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost it was impossible for Jewish, Gentile, or Samaritan believers to come together as one. They had no unity because there was no basis for unity…no unifying power. But when the Holy Spirit came, even on the first day, God took people from different backgrounds, races, and regions and made them one. For the first time, diversity and unity could coexist. It wasn’t just that people came together; the Holy Spirit supernaturally connected them.

On that one day, God did something never before seen in the history of this world. He took people from different races, regions, social classes and genders and made them into one Body. Because of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Christians are not just friends who have fellowship; we are family. We have all been made a part of the Body of Christ.

The only answer to racism is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. You can try education and legislation, but the only lasting answer is regeneration by the Holy Spirit. Christianity is about tearing down walls and building bridges. Just look at the Body of Christ. We have males and females. We have liberals and conservatives. We have blacks, whites, Asians, Indians, and Hispanics. But we are not many – we are one by the Spirit of the living God. What unites us is far greater than anything that might divide us. The Holy Spirit baptizes us together into the Church and also unites us together within the Church.

There is no room for racism within the Body of Christ. There is no room for factions, division, gossip, or unforgiveness. These are contrary to the Word of God, and to the unity of the Spirit of God. Christ said the world would know His Church by our love for one another. The Holy Spirit makes this love not only possible, but also tangible. What would happen in our world if the Body of Christ reflected the true unity of the Spirit?

Dear Lord, thank you that even during times of such division, we can find unity in you. Help me to reflect the true unity of your Spirit and to love those around me the way you love me. In Jesus' name, amen.