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REFLECTION
All unique but also one in Christ is the theme for our reflection. To be unique means being the only existing one of its type or special in some way. To be one means constituting a unified entity of two or more components. The theme “all unique but also one in Christ” can be rephrased as coming from diverse backgrounds but united in Christ as one body. We shall examine the fact that faith in Christ makes it possible for people who are generically unique or different to become united in Christ.

Beloved in the Lord our faith is incomplete and questionable if it does not lead us to unite with other Christians with other distinct backgrounds. Although we may come from different backgrounds, our salvation or faith in Christ is not distinct or different. We share the same faith! It is for this reason Paul explained to the Galatians “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God (one) through faith, ²⁷ for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27). In other words, children may be unique in their personality traits and physical appearance but they belong to the same family because they share the same parents and are related by blood. Similarly, we may come from different backgrounds but baptism is the process of spiritual rebirth that makes us children of the same Father and the disciples of the same Lord. Indeed, the baptismal water is thicker than blood. Through the same baptism, we develop and share a common faith which makes us one and inseparable. We are one and inseparable because Jesus Christ is the “author (originator) and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). In other words, regardless of our individual unique backgrounds, we share the same faith and salvation with other brothers and sisters in Christ hence Jesus said in John 3:16 that “… whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Yes, regardless our differences, we will share the same faith and salvation with other children of God so long as we believe in Christ.

Beloved in the Lord, we all are unique but also one in Christ means that we must be able to worship and work together for Christ regardless of our differences. Paul identifies the main differences that have become the source of bitterness, oppression and war in the world. Paul admonishes that these differences must become irrelevant so long as we belong to the family of Christ and have become children of God through baptism and faith. Paul reminds us that for the sake of our baptism and faith in Christ “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:28-29). In other words, “Jew nor Gentile” refers to race, “slave nor free” refers to economic class, and “male and female” refers to sex. Beloved in the Lord, the Church of Christ must be free of any form of division. Indeed the the unity of the body of Christ or the Church must never be divided by racism, classism and sexism. If Paul were writing to the Churches in Africa today he would have admonished us that there is “neither ethnicity nor tribalism, literate nor illiterate, young or old for we are all one in Christ”. The most important lesson here is that in Christ there is unity in faith and diversity therefore we must work together to fulfill the great commission or God’s grand mission of saving the lost and perishing through the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Jews had always believed that God was a Jewish God until it was revealed to Peter that the Holy Spirit manifested also in the lives of the Gentiles who believed in Jesus Christ, hence Peter’s confession, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favouritism ³⁵ but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right (Acts 10:34-35). My dear friend let us not look down on other people because of our differences. Like Jesus, let us respect the uniqueness and dignity of everyone and embrace everyone as siblings and children of the Lord. Let us be as innocent, humble and obedient as little children in abiding by Jesus’ exaltation when He said “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:15)

In summary, we have meditated on the theme “All unique but also one in Christ” We have discovered that faith in Christ makes it possible for people who are generically and socially unique or different to become united in Christ. Let us be the change we want to see in our churches by respecting the uniqueness of one another and also working together for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God. Shalom.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, fill us with Your love and help us to overcome the barriers and sentiments of division in the Chuch. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us to remain united in our uniqueness to the glory of the Lord and the growth of the Church. Amen.