United in Love

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message. That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

John 17:20-21

This is the longest prayers of Jesus recorded in the Bible. And with this Jesus was praying for us, all of us to be united. He prayed for his disciples to be united but for future disciples (all of us) to be united as well.

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

We know that God commands us to love others just as Jesus loved us. Unconditionally. If people see us fighting and hating each other, they won’t believe in Jesus. We need to love each other and demonstrate the love and truth of Jesus for more people to put their faith in him.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

I know for myself this is way easier to say this than to put into practice at times. We are human and with that comes all our failings. When we have been hurt, betrayed, lied to and left out it is really hard to turn to that person in love (or even in like!)  

But Jesus experienced all of that. And so much more. So much hate and persecution in his life. Yet, still he chose to lead with love.

We must strive to glorify God in all things and in love. So,people will recognize him within us. We need people to see us and know there is something more and deeper to us because of our relationship with the one true God.

Father, to you be all the glory. You are worthy of all devotion, worship and servitude. Help me to be more deliberate in my life by glorifying you with my actions, words and lifestyle. Forgive me because I know far too often I am living life without acknowledging your glory and doing what pleases me. Help me to lead my family, friends and those who don’t yet know you to the glory of being relationship with you. Help me to reflect you in my life and actions. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.