Doing Justice and Loving Mercy: Compassion Ministries, Mentor's Guide, MG16

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D O I N G J U S T I C E A N D L O V I N G M E R C Y : C O M P A S S I O N M I N I S T R I E S

C. We must affirm that our differences are displayed and celebrated in the one, holy, apostolic, and universal Church of Jesus Christ.

1. Through faith in Christ we who were alienated by our differences have become a new humanity in the Church, Eph. 2.12ff..

2. Diverse, yet one: although we are many members made up of every kindred, tribe, people, and nation, from every language and clan, from every class and culture, we nevertheless are one body in Christ. We are to strive to make this unity visible in our daily lives and relationships.

3. In redemption God does not erase, shield, or obliterate our differences, but rather he acknowledges and rejoices in them (Acts 15).

4. We retain many differences, but we share a common faith and hope, Eph. 4.4-6.

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a. We share a common parentage , 1 John 3.1-2.

b. We share a common calling , 2 Tim. 1.9.

c. We share a common destiny , Rom. 8.16-17.

5. In the body, we are to love one another as Jesus loves us, John 13.34-35.