2:57 – Hang Together or Hang Separately

#faithbites #faithjourney Hang

What do you do when you are mad, angry, or upset? Do you try to find people who will help you, or do you want to run and hide? For me, and many of us, our natural instinct is to isolate ourselves so we can work on our feelings and emotions. While this may help some times, it can come at the cost of relationships and the help we really need. Of course there is a balance between “me time” and “us time”.

On Sunday, our Pastor quoted Benjamin Franklin during the signing of the declaration of independence. Franklin said, “We must, indeed, all hang together, or must assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” This was when the founders of our country were seen as traitors and committing treason to the crown. He realized that they were all in this together if they didn’t stay together, then they would be all hung at the gallows.

We are meant to be in relationship and harmony with each other. When we isolate ourselves due to guilt, anger, or lack of self worth, break that relationship. When we push people away, because they are “an other”, we break that relationship.

Scripture

• Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:13-14
• How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! – Psalm 133:1
• Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. – Romans 12:16

Reflection

These are three of many verses that talk about being in unity with each other. We all make mistakes, we all screw up. When we do that, we need to be encouraged NOT to isolate ourselves. In my experience, we know when we made mistakes. We don’t need others to rub it in. We need warmth and love, along with help when we are ready for it.

In a world that is quick to jump on every mistake, we need to break that. While it is important to call people to the carpet, we should do so in a loving way. When we love, we make other more comfortable and more apt to want our to be part of our family.

As Franklin said, and as God repeatedly says, we must all hang together or we will hang separately.

Charge

This charge is two-fold. The first is when you are hurt and angry, try not to retreat into isolation. Try to reach out to others who can listen and provide comfort. The second is when you see someone in need, don’t isolate them. Make sure that you are open to them. Invite them into your family and your heart.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for your love and your family on earth. Help us not to retreat into isolation when we most need the help and love of others. Open our hearts to accept everyone into our hearts and let us know who is open to us. Give your people peace to always be united and not let Satan separate us. Thank you Jesus, Amen.