Faith without religion.
Communion and Unity in Faith
In a recent teaching, we explored the profound significance of communion and the unity it represents among believers. Communion, derived from the Latin “com” (with or together) and “unus” (oneness or unity), signifies coming together as one. This unity is not based on our backgrounds or personal beliefs but on our shared faith in Jesus Christ—His birth, sinless life, sacrificial death, and resurrection. This is the Gospel, the Good News that binds us together.
Interestingly, the term “communion” also has roots in the Greek word “Koinonia,” meaning one. This reflects our oneness with the Lord and each other, united in faith and remembrance of His sacrifice. The imagery of the cross, with its vertical and horizontal beams, symbolizes the reconciliation between God and humanity and the unity among believers worldwide.
In John 4:25-42, we see a powerful example of this unity and the spreading of the Gospel. Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well illustrates the transformative power of His message. Despite cultural barriers, Jesus reveals His identity as the Messiah, leading the woman to share her experience with others. Her testimony, combined with Jesus’ words, brings many Samaritans to faith, demonstrating the ripple effect of sharing the Good News.
This passage reminds us of the importance of sowing and reaping in our spiritual lives. While some plant seeds of faith, others harvest the fruits of those labors. Both roles are vital, and together, they lead to rejoicing in the eternal life offered through Christ. As believers, we are called to share the love and truth of Jesus, knowing that our efforts, whether in sowing or reaping, contribute to the greater harvest of souls for His kingdom.