1. Living in Harmony  Romans 12:16 -- Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

2. I. Racial reconciliation requires the acknowledgment that differences do exist.

3.  Reconciliation must be based on reality—a reality that does not bury its head in the sand in an attempt to ignore differences.  Each racial group has its own unique culture and identity that should be recognized and accepted.

4.  Paul often addressed the friction that was caused by differences in the early church.  1 Corinthians 1:10-17  1 Corinthians 6:1-8  Ephesians 4:1-6  Philippians 4:1-3

5.  The Apostle Paul authored 1 Corinthians 13 as a corrective for the strife within the church at Corinth.  The principles in 1 Corinthians 13 apply to racial reconciliation.

6. II. Racial reconciliation requires unity—not union.

7.  Union refers to “something formed by uniting two or more things” (people, states, etc.)  Unity refers to “the state of being one; oneness; a whole or totality as combining all its parts into one; oneness of mind, feeling,” etc.

8.  Union may be achieved by man’s efforts.  Unity is achieved by God’s grace.

9. III. Racial reconciliation requires effort.

10.  There is no verb in the original language, but the context (v. 9-16) shows activity (verbs all active).  The context also shows that those activities are based on a state-of-being. [be devoted, be joyful, (be) patient, etc.]

11.  Reconciliation must begin with a work of God in a person’s life.  Once begun, reconciliation must be maintained by the individual.  Reconciliation is not maintained by words, but by actions.  Ephesians 4:3 – Paul spoke of unity and called for action.

12. IV. Reconciliation requires a change of heart.

13.  When the heart is changed, people are changed.  When people are changed, relationships are changed.  When relationships are changed, the body of Christ thrives.  Change is not without risk.