Looking at the prayer of Jesus in John 17, we see His great desire for our lives: UNITY!
“May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” – John 17:23
Perfect unity—what does that look like among a family when there are obvious, differing opinions? Can we only get along with people that think exactly as we do about everything?
There is a divisive spirit that is trying to creep into the family of God that we must not allow. We should expect there to be division, strife, name calling, and slander in this world—but not in, or coming from—God’s Kingdom family. The Apostle Paul said,
“So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.” – Romans 14:19
Ed Stetzer recently wrote on Twitter:
“If you open your church, you don’t love your neighbor. If you don’t open your church, you are a compromised coward. False dichotomies are dividing the body of Christ. Local situations are different and responsible pastors will follow appropriate guidelines. Let’s have some grace folks!”
People have different opinions about when the church should open up (trust me, I’ve heard my share of them), the effectiveness of wearing masks or not wearing masks, the way they practice social distancing or do not, and many more.
One Guiding Principle
There is one guiding principle in all of our relationships: LOVE! Love is a fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work in a person’s life (John 17:17, 26; Acts 4:32). Love is patient and kind. Love is not proud. Love does not demand its own way. Love puts the needs, thoughts, and desires of others above themselves (1 Cor. 13).
As you encounter people in God’s family who think differently than you, let love win over your opinions winning. Let your conversations be filled with grace. Refuse to pretend to be the judge over other people. Let mutual respect govern the words and attitudes that come from you. Remember your own imperfections, lighten up, and have some grace.
Where there is unity, the Lord commands a blessing (Ps. 133). Let’s work to cultivate unity in our homes and with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Let’s position ourselves for the blessing of the Lord that comes to the place where there is unity.
Prayer
Lord, I ask that you work in me some more of the fruit of your Holy Spirit. I ask that you give me the grace to put the concerns of others above myself. Because the words that come out of my mouth always reveal what is in my heart, I ask that you continue to do a work of transformation in my heart. May you fill me fresh with your Holy Spirit again today so that your love will guide all of my actions.
I rebuke the spirit of division that seeks to judge, condemn, and divide your people. I plead the precious, protecting, and cleansing blood of Jesus over your family today. I pray that they will give no room for the enemy in their lives. I pray that they will conquer evil with pure goodness! May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know you!
