The Tie That Binds

So in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:5

John Fawcett was a Baptist minister in the 18th century where he and his wife served a small, very poor congregation. John was presented with the opportunity to move to a very large affluent congregation which he accepted. He and his wife packed their wagon, but as they were saying tearful good byes to their sweet congregation, his wife said, “I cannot bear to leave these people – I love them.” John replied, “I feel the same way, so here we will stay.” He ended up serving that church for fifty four years.

I tell that story because John also wrote one of my favorite hymns, Bless Be The Tie That Binds after the experience with his church. During this sad time of social unrest, it would be such a blessing if that song were sung during protest rallies, church services, and public demonstrations. The words, Bless be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love, the fellowship of kindred minds, is like to that above, would be such a comfort.

John Wesley said it best, Though we cannot think alike, can we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these differences. If love is at the base of our differences, we can use it to be the Tie that Binds.

There are many whose attitude may say, if you don’t agree with me politically, you hate America. There might be those who have the attitude, if you have different values or skin color, then you are opponent. Ask the question, “What does God think of that opinion or attitude?”

If you look to the left of you or to the right of you, you have no idea what it’s like to be that person, but you can be sure that each one of them struggles with something. Everyone knows what it’s like to feel hurt, to feel afraid, lost or alone. Collectively we need to do whatever needs to be done to help each other.

The Tie that Binds should begin locally as well as nationally and globally. A group of ladies meeting together asked these questions of me lately: “Do you know how many homeless people live in your area? Do you know where they sleep? Do you know how many children don’t have enough food each day? Do you know how many single parents are struggling to make ends meet and care for their families? Do you know how many elderly are sequestered in nursing homes and at home and hear from no one outside their family? Do you know how hard it is during this time for people suffering from depression or anxiety to cope? Do you know how many people have lost loved ones during this virus and cannot have memorial services for closure?” I shamefully do not know the numbers or the answers to many of these questions. I realized that though I profess Christianity, maybe I don’t show enough concern for people to know what I’m all about.

If we as Christians do our job, then no one should have to wonder what we are about. It should be evident in our words, our actions, our deeds, our caring, our outreach, our inclusion, and our love. My prayer is that we as Christians and Americans can come together in unity, peace and love. God never creates a person that is not of worth!

(The photo is of Randy and Robert after the Mt. Bethel UMC voted to start a Homeless Ministry)