UNITED

For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that He might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility (Eph. 2:14-16).

The United States Supreme Court is a group of nine men and women making decisions on some of the most important legal cases in our nation’s history. Though each Justice is an individual, they work in unison as one body.

Despite the unique circumstances of their confirmation processes, political leanings and personal dispositions, these nine leaders come together to make decisions that affect individuals and the country as a whole.

Recently, I learned about one of their many interesting traditions. “The Judicial Handshake” dates back to the nineteenth century. Each day before they go on the bench and before any discussion in private conferences, they gather together and shake hands with each of their counterparts.

According to the Supreme Court website, there’s a reason for this: “Chief Justice Fuller instituted this practice as a reminder that differences of opinion on the Court did not preclude overall harmony of purpose.”

As believers, we’re also called to unity–to be one as the body of Christ. The “broken down” reference in our daily verse above is mild compared to what it actually means, which is total destruction. The hostility that formerly divided people and made them enemies suffered total devastation when Jesus willingly chose to die on the cross for us.

His purpose of making peace through reconciliation offers us a clear pattern to follow. By His example, we as His disciples are called to do the same in the here and now. We have a ministry of reconciliation.

As Ephesians 2:22 tells us: In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Think about that. While much of the world is divided and dominated

by hostility and enmity, a bright light still shines–us. Citizens and family members have rights and responsibilities to their leaders and relatives. Putting hostility and individuality aside for the sake of others is critical for any healthy household.

Jesus accomplished this for us on the cross. He calls us to pick up our cross–our responsibility–and to follow Him.

Is there anyone you need to make peace with and be reconciled to? How can you live more united?