When times get tough, it's good to know we have friends. Even when we don't always see eye-to-eye on key issues, our love for each other as fellow children of God should be enough to keep relationships on an even keel. In reality, though, we can find it difficult to be around those who don't share our own vision.

In a small congregation—which, as was pointed out in last Sunday's sermon by Rev. Stephen Smith, consists of many varying and equally essential parts—even the smallest rift or "pulling away" out of frustration or anger can stress and strain the body.

So what can we do? We can stop denigrating those who don't think as we do. We can ask in sincerity why someone believes the way he or she does and try to understand. Most of all, we can look for things that we have in common ... and continue seeking ways to serve and love one another.

God asks that we put differences aside. And that we put HIM first. Because basing everything we do on Him makes the difficult that much easier to achieve. And the rewards—such as friendship—so much lovelier to behold.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor