In Ephesians 4:1-6, St. Paul writes: “I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.”

This has been a long election season filled with strong and hurtful rhetoric. While talking with folks on Sunday mornings, the topics of divisiveness and disunity are front and center. One woman shared with me that her brother stopped speaking with her after she shared her political views with him. She shared how painful it is to worship together and not speak with one another. She asked if maybe I could speak with him. I took that opportunity to pray with her, and asked that the Holy Spirit soften hearts, heal hurts, and bring reconciliation.

As I consider the pain and brokenness that has accompanied this election season, I am reminded of St. Paul’s call to unity. In Ephesians chapter 4, Paul writes about the unity that we are called to share in the Body of Christ and in the wider community. As followers of the crucified and risen Jesus, we pattern our lives after the one Lord who calls us to follow. And while following Jesus, “…to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” A life that is marked by humility, gentleness, patience, love, and unity. We certainly cannot change the behavior of others, but we can model for others the life that followers of Jesus are called to live. This is the life that I’m trying to live. I invite you to join me.

To close, I want to take a moment to thank our pastors, deacons, synod authorized ministers, and parish leaders, who have so faithfully served as models of unity and love through this election season. Some of our congregations are serving as polling places. And I know that many of our parishes have scheduled prayer vigils and services. Thank you for your faithful and loving witness. You are making a difference.