The gift of understanding

The devotions for this week are featured in LCA International Mission’s 2026 ‘Pentecost Devotional and Prayer Guide’ and are written by mission partners from around the world. LCA International Mission invites you to pray during Pentecost for the connections and ministries of our international partners. An electronic copy of the full devotional is available to download at the LCA International Mission website. Please email lcaim@lca.org.au or phone 08 8267 7317 to request a printed copy.

by Gabriele Hoerschelmann

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We, though many, are one body in Christ (Romans 12:5a).

Read Romans 12:1–8

What troublesome but exciting times! How frightened the disciples must have been after Jesus’ death at the cross, then the news brought by the women that he had risen from the dead, and now some of them were witnessing Christ’s ascension to heaven. It must have felt like a rollercoaster, with steep ups and downs, with changing moods and emotions, with despair and hope taking turns.

How understandable that on the day of Pentecost they were all gathered in one place. They sought safe community and comforting companionship with one another. As close friends, they wanted to be together, because who knows what’s to be expected next? And how right they were.

In Acts 2, we read: ‘And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.’ What a frightening experience this must have been. And this wasn’t even enough: ‘Divided tongues as of fire appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.’ They suddenly and unexpectedly saw and felt the Holy Spirit like fire resting on each one of them and filling the whole place where they were gathering.

They next experienced the Holy Spirit enabling them to understand each other, no matter which language they were speaking. It caused considerable amazement among those gathered who asked, ‘What does this mean?’ But, of course, the sneering from some others was inevitable as well.

But let’s ask why understanding each other, despite different languages, was the gift the Holy Spirit gave the believers gathered in the very first place. This unity isn’t something we create ourselves, but a gift from Christ, who made us one through his death and resurrection, and who continues to gather us by his Spirit.

We know that good relationships grow and thrive with good communication. Listening to each other helps understanding, and understanding the other helps overcome arguments. This is important for every community in the world, and it’s important for gaining peace among people. As people whom the Holy Spirit has already brought into one body, listening to one another helps us live out this unity. As we seek to understand one another’s perspectives, our community grows in unity.

People are different, as are their life experiences and often also their opinions. But this shouldn’t divide us as Christian sisters and brothers in this world. The Holy Spirit came among us so that we may understand and see each other with Christ’s love, despite all differences. What a wonderful gift. Let us treasure it and not waste it, so our community may grow, live and thrive. Amen.

Is there someone you need to listen to more carefully? How might greater understanding strengthen your relationships?

Pray that Mission EineWelt will be continually guided by the Holy Spirit, so that through Christ they foster unity, understanding and loving fellowship across all cultures and communities.

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