Because I Love You, I Won’t Allow Differences to Divide Us

Scripture focus:
 
Colossians 3:12–13; 1 Corinthians 13:1–7
 
 
Sermon Reflection
 
This message invites us to pause and examine how we respond in relationships, especially when they are tested. Love is not only revealed by what we do, but by what we choose to restrain. When we are offended, misunderstood, or frustrated, our reactions often reveal what is shaping our hearts.
 
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13 call us to look beyond activity and examine motivation. We can serve, give, speak, and lead, yet still miss the heart of God if love is not governing our behavior. Love is not proven by how busy we are or how visible our service may be, but by our patience, kindness, humility, and willingness to forgive.
 
This reflection also challenges us to consider spiritual maturity. Maturity is not shown in power or position, but in restraint, endurance, and faithfulness in relationships. Like Joseph choosing reconciliation over revenge, and Jesus restoring Peter instead of shaming him, we are called to bear with one another, forgive freely, and remain committed to unity.
 
The question before us is simple, but searching: Have we put on love today? Because when the love of Christ is shaping our responses, we refuse to allow differences, offenses, or immaturity to divide what He has called us to protect.
 
 
How We Should Respond
 
As we reflect on this message, we are invited to slow down and allow love to shape our responses. We choose to put on love each day, asking the Lord to guard our hearts, restrain our reactions, and lead us in patience and kindness. When differences or offenses arise, we lean into grace rather than withdrawal, forgiveness rather than resentment, and unity rather than division. Trusting the work of the Holy Spirit within us, we commit to responding in ways that reflect the love Christ has shown to us.
 
 
 
Prayer for the Week
 
Father, we come before You grateful for the love You have shown us through Christ. Thank You for choosing us, forgiving us, and calling us into unity with one another. As we walk through this week, shape our hearts to reflect Your love. Teach us to be patient where we are tempted to react, kind where we are tempted to withdraw, and humble where pride seeks to rise. Help us to bear with one another in grace, to forgive freely as we have been forgiven, and to guard our hearts against division. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, lead us to respond in ways that honor You, strengthen our relationships, and reflect the love of Christ in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
 
5-Day Application Plan
 
Day 1 – Examine the Heart
 
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1–3
Focus: Motivation before action
 
Today, take time to examine your heart. Ask the Lord to reveal where love may be missing from your actions or attitudes. Consider your recent interactions, were they shaped by love or by reaction? Spend time in prayer asking God to align your motives with His love, not just in what you do, but in why you do it.
 
Practice: Pause before responding today. Let love, not impulse, guide your words and actions.
 
 
 
Day 2 – Practice Restraint
 
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4–5
Focus: Love expressed through restraint
 
Love often shows itself in what we choose not to say or do. Today, be mindful of moments when patience and kindness are required. Notice where jealousy, pride, irritation, or selfishness try to rise, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you restrain those impulses.
 
Practice: Choose one moment today to respond with patience or kindness when restraint would be difficult.
 
 
 
Day 3 – Bear With One Another
 
Scripture: Colossians 3:12–13
Focus: Staying present in relationships
 
Bearing with one another means staying engaged even when relationships are strained. Today, reflect on someone you may have grown distant from or frustrated with. Ask God for the grace to carry the relationship with compassion, humility, and gentleness.
 
Practice: Reach out with a word of grace, encouragement, or prayer, even if reconciliation feels unfinished.
 
 
 
Day 4 – Choose Forgiveness
 
Scripture: Colossians 3:13; Matthew 18:21–22
Focus: Releasing the offense
 
Forgiveness is not excusing wrong, but releasing the hold it has on your heart. Today, bring any lingering offense before the Lord. Ask Him to help you forgive as you have been forgiven, without keeping score or replaying the hurt.
 
Practice: In prayer, name the offense and consciously release it to God, trusting Him to heal and restore.
 
 
 
Day 5 – Walk in Mature Love
 
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:7; John 21:15–17
Focus: Love that endures and restores
 
Mature love stays, hopes, and endures. As you reflect on this week, consider how God is inviting you to grow in love that reflects Christ. Ask the Lord to help you carry His love into your relationships, choosing unity over division and maturity over reaction.
 
Practice: Commit one relationship or situation to the Lord, asking Him to help you walk forward in love, grace, and faithfulness.
 
 
Final Thought
 
Love is not proven in the absence of tension, but in how we respond when tension is present. Every day, we are given opportunities to react, withdraw, or divide, but Christ calls us to a better way. As we put on love and allow it to shape our responses, we bear witness to the work of God in us. May our lives reflect this truth: because we have been loved by Christ, we will choose unity over division, restraint over reaction, and maturity over immaturity, trusting that love, lived out faithfully, honors God and strengthens His body.