Unity

Good Morning!! Just before He was arrested and crucified, Jesus prayed for our unity. He was facing a horrible death on the cross,...but we, and His heartfelt desire for our unity in Him, were on His Mind. Why is unity so important to Him? In John 17:21, He explains, so the world may believe that God sent Him. Unity among believers is our greatest witness to Jesus. Unbelievers recognize us as Jesus’ disciples by our deeds of love for one another,....It's what sets us apart.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.—1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)

Unity has and requires many intricate parts, such as trust, forgiveness, grace, accountability, kindness and confidentiality. But it is the gift of God’s agape love that binds these parts all together. This kind of love is not our natural human tendency. It is not concerned with self, but desires to love by choice,...seeking little more than the same in return. The apostle Paul talks about, and describes this love clearly for us in today's verses.

I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. ( John 17:23)

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Oh God, how we thank You for Your agape love. We thank you for Jesus who forgives us of our sins. We ask forgiveness now for when we have allowed our will to stand defiantly against Yours. Pour out Your love in our hearts for our family and friends,...and help us restore damaged and broken relationship today. Amen.

"Things come apart so easily when they have been held together with lies."