For the peace and unity of the Church of God; For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

How ought we seek the truth? How ought we proclaim the Gospel?

The example of Jesus and the teaching of Paul emphasize humility. In the case of Paul we might do as he says, rather than as he sometimes does. With Jesus, what he says and does is coherent and consistent.

Humility involves listening, watchful waiting, attentive care, and responding to others with their needs - not our own - foremost in mind. Humility involves recognizing God in the diversity of human individuality. Humility is to be seeking rather than certain.

Certainty is not one of the gifts that God has given us. When we feel certain, we should think again. When we feel certain is - especially - when we should be seeking.

Proclaiming the Gospel does not require certainty. Quite the opposite. Acts of love are seldom confidently unilateral. Love is almost always uncertain, exploring, surprising, and responsive to the unexpected.

If our believing and behaving were consistently characterized by seeking, humility, and love the Church of God would know peace and unity.

And such a Church would proclaim the Gospel with a power we have not seen for over 2000 years.