If people in our congregations are ever going to get along, the leaders of those churches must remind God's people of the importance of unity. Shortly before facing his passion, Jesus' prayer was that we would be one (John 17:1-26). Why? If the world knows we are Christians because of our love for one another (John 13:34-35), then the world needs to see our loving unity so that the lost can know that the Father has sent Jesus to save them (John 17:20-21, 23). When we are divided, we tell the world we're not offering them something the world doesn't have on its own. All we have is just a religious message that doesn't produce consequential changes. So, unity is not only important; it is also essential. It's not just a theory or a test of theology, but a daily practice among the people who claim Jesus as Lord. If we love Jesus and move closer to him, we'll be brought closer to each other (1 John 1:1-4). We are called to be "perfectly united in mind and thought" because we love Jesus and the people he died to save.
Lord Jesus, I believe you have presented all of my prayers to our Father. And Father, I thank you for the grace of Jesus, who lives to make intercession for me at this moment (Hebrews 7:25). I promise, dear Father, to do all I can to bring you glory, and to live at peace with my brothers and sisters in Christ, and to serve in unity with those who belong to you. Please bless our church family with more passion for the unity that you desire as we focus more on leading those who do not know Jesus into a saving relationship with him. In Jesus' name, and through the blessed Holy Spirit, I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayers for Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.
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