Make US ONe

MAKE US ONE

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. John 17:20b-21

Youngest daughter Melanie came home from school Friday afternoon completely frustrated with two of her classmates. “Remember when I had to write a paper last night about forgiving others and I couldn’t think of any people I needed to forgive?” she asked with her hands clenched at her sides. “Well, I’ve got writing material today!”

Being disappointed, annoyed, or wounded by others isn’t unique to high school girls. Conflict can be found in Christian families, in the church, and yes, even in GEMS clubs.

Jesus’ strong desire for His followers was that they become one. In His prayer for future believers He prayed for unity. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their [His disciples] 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. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have love me (John 17:20-23).

The Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Christians in the Roman colony of Philippi was that if they have any encouragement from being united with Christ, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose (Philippians 2:1-2).

In the heat of a disagreement or the aftermath of a dispute, prayer can be thrust out of our thoughts. When our mind’s energy is honed in on how we’re going to straighten things out (or straighten this person up!) we fail to pray Jesus’ prayer for unity or to focus on God’s word about broken relationships.

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:14-15). Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:28). Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).

Unity, love, and forgiveness are powerful testimonies to God’s love and something so important that Jesus pleaded for it in prayer. It’s His longest recorded prayer in the Bible! May we follow Christ’s example and also pray for unity and harmony in our homes, workplace, churches, GEMS Clubs, and the world.

Prayer Step: God is the great Restorer. Talk to Him about any relationships in your life that may need restoration.
Father let your love be done in our lives the way it’s done in heaven. John Piper

Grace and peace,
Lenae