St. John's United Methodist Church

St. John's United Methodist Church Welcome to the family of St. John's! Open hearts, open minds, open doors! The very first thing we’ll ask of you is simple: relax. You’re with friends.

Even if you’ve never been in church before, you won’t have to be concerned about being pointed out as being a stranger or visitor. We don’t have strangers or visitors at St. John’s, but we do have “guests.” You are invited to become involved but you will not be pressed into service unless that is your desire. What you will find is:

-a caring church that has its focus on mission outreach and pray

er

-friendly people who’ll help you find your way around

-messages relevant to your daily life

-Sunday School classes for children and adults

-nursery attendants who have undergone training to insure your child’s safety

-that you matter to God – and to St. John’s Church

Whether you’re single, married, single again, with or without children – you are welcome here.

09/06/2026

"The Twelfth Disciple"

Acts 1:21-26 NRSV

-St. John’s Pulpit (September 6, Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost)-“The Twelfth Disciple” Acts 1:21-2621 “So one of the...
09/06/2026

-St. John’s Pulpit (September 6, Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost)-
“The Twelfth Disciple” Acts 1:21-26

21 “So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was added to the eleven apostles.

St. John’s UMC—the 12th Church to Plant
I am not sure how many of you have read the bronze plaque at the sanctuary building’s main entrance. It is located right next to the wooden door. Let me read the message on the plaque:
“TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN APPRECIATION OF THE MINISTRY OF THE REV. JOHN HALE PEARSON, D.D. THROUGH WHOSE LEADERSHIP AS DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT, 1950-1956 TWELVE NEW CHURCHES WERE ESTABLISHED IN THE ALEXANDRIA DISTRICT OF WHICH ST. JOHN’S IS THE TWELFTH”

As we celebrate St. John’s 70th anniversary this month, this bronze plaque serves as a special reminder of St. John’s history. When our church was planted in 1956, it was a golden era for church growth in America. It is no surprise to see many neighboring churches that were established around that same time. For example, just a week ago, our neighboring church Aldersgate UMC in Alexandria also celebrated their 70th anniversary!

Presumably, about seven decades ago, in responding to the growing need for churches in the Alexandria District, there must have been great efforts to plant new congregations. Rev. John Hale Pearson, as Alexandria District Superintendent, played an important role in establishing a series of churches. I am not sure if all twelve new churches under his superintendency were named in the ‘Saint’ series (you probably recall that there are many UM churches in our district called St. Something!). Anyhow, St. John’s UMC was the twelfth one established. Simply speaking, St. John’s was the number 12 church! Can we call it the twelfth disciple—or apostle?

The Twelfth Disciple (Apostle)
Today's story presents how the twelfth disciple was chosen after Judas died disgracefully. Strictly speaking, it is right for us to call him the twelfth apostle, not disciple, as all the rest were called apostles.
26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was added to the eleven apostles. Acts 1:26 NRSV

But let’s call them the disciples for a moment. Beyond the main group in today's story, we also see Paul and Barnabas referred to as apostles:
14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting, Acts 14:14 NRSV

And even James, the Lord’s brother, was called an apostle in the early church:
19 but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord’s brother. Galatians 1:19 NRSV

What makes the eleven apostles distinctive from Paul, Barnabas, and James, however, is that those eleven were focused on filling that one empty seat left by Judas. Later, when the early church lost James, the Lord’s brother, they didn’t hold an election to replace him. But to preserve the original twelve, this story shows what the eleven apostles did to find that twelfth apostle.

In many ways, St. John’s UMC is facing a similar situation today. Just as the eleven disciples felt a profound sense of loss after losing Judas, we too are experiencing a sense of loss after many United Methodist churches disaffiliated a couple of years ago.

Certainly, celebrating St. John’s 70th anniversary is a milestone event. But there are real challenges ahead of us as we move forward. As I mentioned earlier, St. John’s was the twelfth church established in the 1950s. After this painful period of disaffiliation, St. John’s is called to be the twelfth church again. If so, what takeaways can we learn from today's story? Here are two lessons from when the eleven apostles elected Matthias, the twelfth apostle.

Value the Expression—ALL THE TIME
21 “So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Acts 1:21 NRSV

Just as our church has been here continuously for the last 70 years, what we are asked to do now is to keep our faithful presence all the time. Regardless of changes in the denomination, we need to accompany the Lord and our neighbors all the time through our ongoing mission and ministry.

When Jesus first called his disciples by the sea, there were no preliminary requirements. When Jesus invited them, saying, "Come and follow me," they followed him immediately. Some abandoned their fishing nets and boats on the spot. Jesus didn't demand high-level qualifications or proven track records upfront. But by Acts 1, the eleven apostles asked for more than Jesus initially did! The standard for recognized leadership had been raised. For the apostles who were now task-bound to lead the early church, they needed to elevate their standard of commitment.

Likewise, after disaffiliation in our denomination, the most vital qualification for all churches is serving the Lord and our neighbors with even greater faithfulness. This is why we need to value that expression—ALL THE TIME.

Bring the Resurrection to Your Place!
When the twelfth apostle was elected, witnessing to the Resurrection of Jesus was strongly highlighted as the second requirement:
22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection. Acts 1:22 NRSV

One of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection… Don’t you think this resonates deeply with us as United Methodists who long to experience the living Resurrection of Jesus? After navigating the fallout from disaffiliation, we are called to make our church a vibrant community of the Resurrection.

When you read the Bible, the Resurrection of Jesus brought transformative power to everyday believers and whole churches. The Apostle Paul tells us that he became an apostle through the Risen Christ—meaning his calling came directly from that divine encounter. When Jesus’s brothers and sisters experienced his Resurrection, they transformed into backbone leaders of the early church, like James.

When those first Christians filled their faith community with the power of the Resurrection, they shared everything generously without claiming personal ownership. They fully embodied what it meant to be a Resurrection community:
32 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33 With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35 They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Acts 4:32-35 NRSV

Ultimately, becoming a witness to the Resurrection means allowing God to transform us from the inside out. Transformed people transform the places where they are called. The twelfth apostle was called to transform the community he was sent to serve.

Matthias—the Gift of God
How much do we actually know about Matthias? Although he was chosen as the twelfth apostle, there is no further record of his life, mission, or ministry in Scripture. But we do know what his name means. The name Matthias means the gift of God. What else do we know about him? Nothing! The Bible highlights how he was selected by God, but leaves his future achievements unrecorded.

In a sense, Matthias represents you and me. We can all be the twelfth apostle. Why? Because we are all gifts of God, and our lives are sustained by God’s grace! If St. John’s is the twelfth church, it means St. John’s is here to share the Resurrection of Jesus with others all the time. In doing so, St. John’s becomes a true Matthias—a gift of God. May the Risen Lord use us to be a gift of God for our district and denomination, even if our names never make the history books.

08/30/2026

"Who Am I & Who Are You?"

Exodus 3:10-15 NRSV

-St. John’s Pulpit (August 30, Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost)-“Who Am I & Who Are You?” Exodus 3:10-1510 Now go, I ...
08/30/2026

-St. John’s Pulpit (August 30, Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost)-
“Who Am I & Who Are You?” Exodus 3:10-15

10 Now go, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12 He said, “I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
13 But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ” 15 God also said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you’:
This is my name forever,
and this my title for all generations.

No One Is Perfect, But God Is…
This July, when my family and I were visiting South Korea, Hannah and I visited one famous Presbyterian church in Korea. This church is known as one of the best churches nationwide — not only in size, but also in ministry and mission.

The origin of this church dates back to refugees from North Korea when the Korean War broke out (1950–1953). After the war, when the Korean Peninsula was divided between North and South, many Christians in North Korea moved south in search of freedom and democracy as Communism spread across the North. Those who came from North Korea settled in Seoul and began to form a faith community together. This community grew into a church called Young Rak Presbyterian Church.

They gave up everything in North Korea and had to start all over again in South Korea, but they kept their faith regardless of where they were. Their worship, prayer, and spirituality were distinct from other churches in Korea. And their Senior Pastor, who serves the church today, is known as one of the finest preachers in Korea. In my downtime, I love to watch their online services and listen to Pastor Kim’s sermons.

On Sunday, July 19th, Hannah and I visited this church and joined their very first morning worship service at 7:00 AM. They host five services every Sunday. In order to truly focus on the service and the preacher’s message, I intentionally chose that early 7:00 AM service. It was a wonderful, spirit-filled experience.

Later, I learned more about Pastor Kim. Prior to his ministry at Young Rak Presbyterian Church, he served a single church on an island in the southern region for 28 years. That might sound odd! Young Rak is one of the largest churches in Korea, located right in the heart of Seoul, so it has always been a place where many elite, high-profile pastors hoped to serve. A PhD is a minimum requirement, and the competition is fierce. Surprisingly, when Pastor Kim was invited to lead this church, he was already 60 years old—meaning he had only ten years left before retirement! He had served faithfully in his former church for nearly three decades; if he had stayed there for just ten more years, he could have retired with great pride and honor.

For him, becoming the senior pastor at Young Rak Presbyterian Church meant giving up a lot of comfort and privilege. Yet he obeyed God’s calling and continues his wonderful ministry there today. No one expected an island pastor to serve that landmark church. But God had His plan!

In our story today, God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Our common knowledge tells us that Moses was the greatest leader in the Bible. He could speak with God face-to-face. He received the words of God directly. He experienced God's glory on the mountain. God used him to perform powerful miracles before the Israelites, Pharaoh, and all of Egypt. In the New Testament, when Jesus speaks with two major figures from the Old Testament, one is Moses and the other is Elijah. With a legacy like that, no one questions or doubts Moses's authority as a great leader. But he was not a born leader. He struggled, hesitated, and tried to excuse himself when God first called him.

Who Am I?
When Moses was called by God, look at his very first question:
11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11 NRSV

Moses appealed to God, saying he was simply not ready or qualified for this calling. Indeed, Moses’s reaction is not unique to him—many of us would respond the exact same way. It is rare to find someone who immediately says, “I am completely ready to do this. Send me!” But Moses missed one crucial point: when God asked him to carry out this mission, He also promised His presence and guidance!
12 He said, “I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” Exodus 3:12 NRSV

I WILL BE WITH YOU… I don’t think we can find a better promise than this. What do you think about it? Moses was only looking at himself; he couldn't see God, His greatness, or His faithfulness. In so many ways, we miss this exact same point whenever God calls us.

While Moses’s hesitation is familiar to many Christians, the Gospels show us a completely different leadership example in the story of the rich young man. When this rich young man came to Jesus asking about eternal life, he was fully confident in his readiness and qualifications. Simply put, it’s as if he told Jesus, “I am the perfect candidate!”
18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness. 19 Honor your father and mother. Also, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” Matthew 19:18–20 NRSV

I am not sure how many of us would claim a record like this rich young man (certainly not me!). There are always some who see themselves as great leaders or model followers. However, we all know how this story ends: the rich young man failed to fulfill his purpose. Just like Moses, he failed to value Jesus’s presence and guidance in his life!
21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” Matthew 19:21 NRSV

COME, FOLLOW ME! Don’t you think this is the greatest invitation we can receive from Jesus? What else do we really need? Just as God promised Moses, “I will be with you,” Jesus promised the rich young man in the exact same way, saying, “Come, follow me.”

However, both Moses (who felt completely unqualified) and the rich young man (who felt over-qualified) initially missed the true value of God's promise.

That is why Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12 are so vital for us:
9 He said to me, “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” So I’ll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power can rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 CEB

It doesn’t matter whether we feel qualified or not. What matters is whether we trust God’s promise. When David was anointed by Samuel to be the next king of Israel, no one expected a young shepherd boy to become king. Later, when David volunteered to fight Goliath, no one thought he had a chance. But David trusted God, and he walked through every battle in victory. It was this lifelong trust in God's presence that led David to write in Psalm 23:
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 NRSV

Who Are You?
Now, let’s move to the next question—Who Are You? (What is His Name?)

In our passage today, Moses asks his second question to God: Who are you?
13 But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” Exodus 3:13 NRSV

Walking in faith requires us to face this question constantly: Who are You, Lord? When Jesus walked with His disciples, this was one of His central questions as well:
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:15–16 NRSV

Moses’s second question marks a powerful turning point in his faith—shifting his focus from looking at himself to seeking God’s presence. Take time to examine whether you are truly walking with God and serving as a faithful follower. The more we ask God, “Who are You?”, the more we are transformed into His image. Our faith always calls for this simple, humble posture: stepping back so that He may be revealed.

08/23/2026

"Operation- Save the Child"

Exodus 2:1-10 NRSV

-St. John’s Pulpit (August 23, Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost)-“Operation-Save the Child” Exodus 2:1-102 Now a man f...
08/23/2026

-St. John’s Pulpit (August 23, Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost)-
“Operation-Save the Child” Exodus 2:1-10

2 Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. 2 The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him three months. 3 When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. 4 His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him.
5 The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. 6 When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him. “This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,” she said. 7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” 8 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Yes.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. 9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed it. 10 When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”


Sermon note:
The Women Who Loved Moses
In general, the Bible has been understood as a book of androcentric culture. We easily assume that Scripture comes from an ancient Hebrew context that highlights a male-oriented tradition. What do you think about this idea?
While the Bible presents many male characters who develop stories here and there, we also see that there are many women who played an important role in highlighting the grace of God. In the Book of Genesis, among so many male characters, it was Hagar who experienced God’s grace first! Hagar was a woman from Egypt, and her social status was quite low compared to Sarah. Yet Hagar is recorded as the very first person in Scripture to experience God’s grace in a personal, naming way.
What about the Book of Exodus? This book narrates how the Israelites became a free people by God’s grace, preserving their identity, faith, and culture. Broadly, two male leaders are highlighted here—Moses and Joshua. But do you know that the first two chapters of Exodus are a special stage reserved for women? When you read Exodus 1 and 2, you might be surprised to see so many women who loved, protected, and saved Moses.
In Exodus 1, we meet two midwives who stood against Pharaoh to save the Hebrew baby boys through their faith and wisdom. Without these women, it would have been almost impossible to build Israel today. Think of the news from the Russia-Ukraine war—one of the most striking parts is how many men are losing their lives in that meaningless conflict. Even when the war ceases, rebuilding the nation will be a massive challenge. In the same way, the Hebrew midwives laid the foundation for Israel's future, and they should be highly praised.
15 The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16 “When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but they let the boys live. Exodus 1:15–17 NRSV
Let’s move on to Exodus 2. This chapter shows how Moses was born and saved from Pharaoh’s persecution. Here we see female characters stepping up across all socio-politico-economic statuses.
Moses’s mother must be mentioned first. She gave birth to Moses and did her best to protect her newborn baby. But she eventually had to let him go when she could keep him hidden no longer.
2 The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him three months. 3 When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. Exodus 2:2–3 NRSV
Here is one more woman from Moses’s household: his sister.
4 His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him. Exodus 2:4 NRSV
Moses’s sister did her best to protect him and monitor what was happening. Ultimately, she connected Pharaoh’s daughter to Moses’s own mother.
As the papyrus basket floated along the river, it was seen by Pharaoh’s daughter, who was down at the river to bathe. She ordered her servants to fetch the basket and decided to adopt the baby, even though she knew he was one of the Hebrew children.
6 When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him. “This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,” she said. Exodus 2:6 NRSV
Her own father had ordered all Hebrew baby boys to be killed, yet she adopted one. We know her decision was not easy and required immense courage. In doing so, she became a mother to this boy and gave him a name—Moses.
Here is a practical challenge: adopting the baby was one thing, but how would she nurse him? At that exact moment, the baby’s sister, who was watching from a distance, stepped in with a suggestion. Who gave her such a good idea? She suggested asking a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby! And on top of that, it became a paid position!
7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” 8 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Yes.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. 9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.” Exodus 2:7–9a NRSV
Don’t you think God is great? Whenever I read this story, I am reminded that God knows everything we need and leads us in the best way. Please know this: God has a plan for us, and He works out that plan through His people. To save Moses, many women worked together!
At the end of Exodus 2, we see Moses in the land of Midian. For Moses, Midian was a tough place because he was a wanted criminal after killing an Egyptian. Those who helped Moses settle down in Midian were the seven daughters of a Midianite priest. Then, one of those seven daughters became Moses’s wife. At every stage, Moses was saved by women!
Given all these things, we learn how many women loved and protected Moses in Exodus 1 and 2. Each had a distinct role, and together they did a great job to save him. It is no exaggeration to say that they saved Israel’s future and became harbingers of the nation we know today. Among so many stories led by male characters, Exodus 1 and 2 stand out as vital chapters showing how God works for His people through women.
Selfless Love
Today we celebrate Backpack Blessing Sunday. As we reflect on this moment, the sacrifices and prayers of all our mothers and caregivers should be deeply valued. Without their love, we wouldn’t be standing here today.
To live as a mother, the first thing one must do is surrender one’s identity. Mostly, mothers live their lives with selfless love for their children. To save Moses, all of these women demonstrated that same core value: selfless love.
Moses’s biological mother could not openly claim her identity as his mom. She took a massive risk sending her baby into the river against Pharaoh’s decree. Later, when hired to nurse him, she had to live simply as a hired nurse for her own son. She completely surrendered her self-interest for his survival.
What about Pharaoh’s daughter? She needed tremendous courage for this adoption. If she had focused only on who she was—the daughter of Pharaoh—this never would have happened. But when she surrendered her royal status, she was able to open her heart to adopt Moses. This, too, is a powerful example of selfless love.
In Exodus 1, the two midwives also took a huge personal risk. Because of their selfless care and support, the Israelites were able to protect their next generation.
Moses’s sister must also be recognized. Following and monitoring the basket required real boldness. Standing before Pharaoh’s daughter, she courageously suggested hiring a Hebrew nurse. What if she had failed? What if Pharaoh’s daughter discovered it was the baby's real mother? She risked everything out of love.
Work Together!
For all the parents sending their children to school tomorrow, here is a lesson from today’s story. Just like Moses’s mother sent her baby down the river, please know that your children are also being sent off into the current of the world. We don't always know how their voyage will go; there will be many opportunities and many challenges down the road. This means you need God’s grace and help every step of the way! That is why we must pray for our children continuously.
At the same time, remember that Moses had many helping hands—mostly from women who stepped up together. Not only for our own children, but for everyone’s children, we need to work together to protect and guide them. You can be like the midwives, or like Pharaoh’s daughter, offering safety and support to someone else's child. You can keep watch and check in on our young people, just like Moses’s sister did.
For example, let us encourage one another to bring our kids to church services and programs. These days, one of the greatest functions of our church community is helping our children take a break from tablets, computer games, and the digital noise of modern culture. Let's encourage them to socialize face-to-face, helping them form their character and identity in Christ. In this way, let us carry out this mission together—Operation: Save the Child!

Look forward to seeing YOU ALL this Sunday (8/23)! Let's bless their new journey!
08/18/2026

Look forward to seeing YOU ALL this Sunday (8/23)! Let's bless their new journey!

08/16/2026

"The Cost of Living Together"

Psalm 133 NRSV

Sermon Note: -St. John’s Pulpit (August 16, Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost)-“The Cost of Living Together” Psalm 1331 Ho...
08/16/2026

Sermon Note:
-
St. John’s Pulpit (August 16, Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost)-
“The Cost of Living Together” Psalm 133

1 How very good and pleasant it is
when kindred live together in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down upon the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down over the collar of his robes.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion.
For there the Lord ordained his blessing,
life forevermore.

The Joy of Living Together
The story today begins with such a beautiful verse:
1 How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! Psalm 133:1 NRSV
Some other Bible versions present alternate words like ‘families’ (CEB), ‘God’s people’ (NIV), and ‘Brethren’ (NKJV) for the word ‘kindred’ here. Overall, Psalm 133 has one clear idea—the joy of living together!
The love of brothers and sisters is one of the most important messages from Jesus. Jesus heavily stressed how important it is for people to care for one another. In His Sermon on the Mount, here is what Jesus preached about brotherly love:
22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:22-24 NRSV
1 John 3:16 develops Jesus’ teaching to the level of sacrificial love for our brothers and sisters:
16 We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 NRSV
Please compare this verse with John 3:16, as it offers a great insight. While John 3:16 shows God’s love for the world (vertical), 1 John 3:16 presents our love for brothers and sisters (horizontal). Both verses are wonderful tools for learning Christian love!
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” John 3:16 NRSV
Although we should value the love of brothers and sisters, we also should know that many characters in the Bible were not free from this love. A careful reading of the Book of Genesis makes you see countless conflicts among family members. Why? Most brothers in Genesis failed to love one another.
• Cain and Abel: Recorded as the first case of fratricide in the Bible.
• Ishmael and Isaac: Abraham’s two sons couldn’t get along, and Ishmael ultimately ended up leaving Abraham’s camp.
• Lot and Abraham: Lot was like Abraham’s brother, sharing much of life and faith together, but even their relationship couldn’t last forever.
• Esau and Jacob: They competed seriously even before birth, and when Jacob inappropriately took Esau’s birthright, they could no longer live together.
• Joseph and his eleven brothers: A rocky relationship that led to Joseph being thrown into a pit.
• Noah’s sons: Even after the great flood, Noah’s three sons conflicted with one another over a deeply vulnerable moment.
It is a great irony that so many brothers in Genesis were at odds, resulting in dysfunctional families. Why couldn't they get along? Mostly, it stemmed from money, power, and the human desire to be served (what about us?).
Even in the New Testament, we see numerous issues among brothers, whether biological or spiritual. What about Jesus? Jesus struggled to get along with His half-brothers and sisters; He was deeply misunderstood by them. They believed He was doing something dangerous that might jeopardize their household and family. Because of this, Jesus had to redefine the meaning of family:
50 “Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” Matthew 12:50 NLT
Martha and Mary were sisters who followed Jesus, but they had very different ideas of how to serve the Lord. This caused Martha to become stressed when Mary sat with Jesus instead of helping with the housework.
Jesus’ twelve disciples came from diverse backgrounds, but they were brothers in faith. They were trained by the same Teacher, witnessed incredible miracles, and shared the same vision of the Kingdom of God. Of course, they broke bread and shared wine together. Yet, they still suffered from inner conflict and competition. When James and John asked Jesus for the seats of honor at His right and left hands, the other disciples were furious:
41 When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. Mark 10:41 NRSV
Later, when the Apostle Paul began his ministry, he had to struggle with Jesus’ original disciples to defend his calling as an apostle of the resurrected Christ. That is why Paul explicitly states his apostleship right at the beginning of his letters:
1 Paul an apostle—sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— Galatians 1:1 NRSV
Given all these examples, we come to realize that brotherly love is beautiful, but it requires intentional prayer and effort to sustain. Knowing about love does not automatically mean practicing it. This is why it remains one of our hardest challenges. From the Book of Genesis to the present day, unity is an ongoing struggle for all human beings.
The 81st National Liberation Day of Korea
Yesterday (August 15th) marked a very meaningful day for all Koreans (including those in North Korea). It was the 81st anniversary of National Liberation Day of Korea, commemorating the day the Korean Peninsula was liberated by the Allies in 1945 from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule (1910–1945). For most Americans, however, this date is remembered as V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day).
Upon hearing the good news of freedom, Koreans expected to live together peacefully without persecution. Unfortunately, starting in 1945, they endured deep conflicts driven by ideology, politics, and even faith. The joy of freedom was short-lived as people began turning on one another, accusing neighbors of being pro-Japanese or anti-Japanese. Even within the church, Christians began questioning who had kept the faith pure under Japanese rule and who had compromised.
At that time, the Korean peninsula was divided by two competing ideologies—democracy and communism. This became an ominous precursor to the Korean War (1950–1953). Ultimately, the peninsula split into North and South Korea. Though they were brothers and sisters, they had to learn how painful and difficult it is to live divided. To this day, this conflict remains unresolved, with no immediate sign of reunification.
Take a moment to look at the wider world. Officially, humanity has survived two World Wars, but countless large and small conflicts continue to rage across the globe. As I have mentioned before, stopping wars is often harder than starting them. Even when formal wars cease, invisible and inward conflicts continue to simmer among people.
The Cost of Living Together
In light of all this, today’s scripture—Psalm 133—deeply resonates with us as we face so many broken relationships that need healing. People know that living together is a great joy, but Christians must understand that it requires sacrifice and love: the true cost of living together.
The blessedness of unity always flows from the love of God. Before His crucifixion, Jesus and His half-siblings did not always get along. But when they witnessed the reality of His Resurrection, they transformed into pillars of the early church. En Christo (In Christ), we truly can live together.
Philippians 2:1-4 echoes this lesson clearly:
1 If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4 NRSV
Here is a question for us to ponder: Over the last 81 years, how has the world been transformed into a place where we can truly live together? In what ways have churches and Christians worked to bring peace to this world? And, especially after the painful season of disaffiliation—losing precious brothers and sisters in faith—what is the calling of all United Methodists to live together in unity?

Photo: St. John's welcomes Guest Pianist Hannah Park

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