I have a serious concern to bring up with you, my friends, using the authority of Jesus, our Master. I’ll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common. I Corinthians 1:10 from The Message
A formal greeting between strangers is usually some form of a handshake, smile, pat, or some other form of acknowledgement. The history of the handshake dates back to the 5th Century BC in Greece. It was a symbol of peace showing that neither person was carrying a weapon. Some even say it began in Medieval Europe where Knights would shake hands in order to shake loose any hidden weapons of their opponent. Handshakes were also a sign of trust and an acknowledgement that the person you were greeting was coming in a spirit of peace.
In modern times the handshake has evolved into a method of greeting and friendship. The gesture has been used throughout history at greetings, farewells, expressions of gratitude, cementing agreements, and sportsmanship, whether one wins or loses. I’ve always heard that you can tell a lot about a person by the strength and firmness of their handshake. The year long Covid virus has moved a normal handshake into a fist bump or other form of greeting thus limiting the special feelings that come with personal contact.
When we offer our hand to another we are symbolizing unity. The verse above speaks to that unity among Christians. Paul addresses the way the Christians there have divided themselves into factions based on which Christian teacher they follow. Paul urges them to be unified in and around Jesus Christ. After all, it is not a certain person that one follows that makes one a Christian, it is Christ that is at the center of it.
Paul sets up Christ as the standard for every thought and every judgment. Does that mean that people can’t disagree? Certainly not. In fact, he is saying that people always disagree, but disagreement does not have to mean division. The goal is not conformity but rather unity.
I love it when football teams gather in the middle of the field on any given fall Saturday to shake hands and toss a coin. Both sides play the game, and both sides want to win, but they will still be friends and continue to play the game no matter the outcome. They have unity of purpose and thought.
In this era of the blame game, the name calling, the gossip, the innuendos, the slander of innocent people, and the total disregard for others, wouldn’t it be nice if Christians united by giving up their individual egos and self interest so that the banner of Christ could be lifted up rather than lifting up one person or one cause!?
It would be a blessing to see a society where people refuse to blame others for mistakes that are made, a society where people are forgiving and not allowing bitterness, a society where people praise each other’s strengths instead of focusing on weaknesses, a society where people are conscientious, a society where people are dependable, and a society where people stay focused on the bigger goal. When we learn to work together, there’s no stopping us in any endeavor.
The songwriter and artist, Anne Murray sings it beautifully when she sings: Put your hand in the hand of the man who stills the water, Put your hand in the hand of the man who calms the sea. Take a look at yourself and you can look at others differently; By putting your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee. Lyrics by Gene Maclellan
John Wesley the founder of Methodism said it best: Give me your hand, I do not mean for you to be of my opinion, you need not: I do not expect it nor desire it. Neither do I mean I will be of your opinion. I cannot. Keep your opinion, I mine; and that as steadily as ever. You do not endeavor to come over to me or bring me to you. Only give me your hand. We must act as each is persuaded in their own mind. Hold fast that which you believe is most acceptable to God, and I will do the same. Let all these smaller points be put aside. If your heart is as my heart, if you love God and all humankind, I ask no more. Simply, give me your hand.
Love this and it reminds me so much of my father! He had a great handshake and was a friend to so many people! He was a fine Christian man and was admired by many people. He always told me to be nice to everyone as he always did!