In what ways can we strive for the unity Jesus prayed for? Setting the Scene: Jesus’ Prayer for Unity “ I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one—” (John 17:22). Because every word of Scripture is true and reliable, we can take this promise at face value: Jesus has already supplied what is needed for genuine oneness among His people. Unity Modeled in the Godhead • Father, Son, and Spirit share perfect harmony—distinct persons, one essence. • Our unity is patterned after that relationship: diversity without division, equality without rivalry. • The same “glory” (divine presence and power) rests on believers, making unity possible rather than merely idealistic. Practical Steps Toward the Unity Jesus Prayed For • Live worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1–3). – Humility: gladly taking the lower place. – Gentleness: strength under control, refusing to bruise others. – Patience: giving people room to grow. – Bearing with one another in love: staying when it would be easier to leave. – Diligence: working hard to “preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” • Focus on gospel essentials (Ephesians 4:4–6). – One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father. – Celebrate these shared foundations; refuse to elevate secondary issues to first-place status. • Cultivate Christlike attitudes (Philippians 2:1–4). – “In humility value others above yourselves.” – Look out “not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” • Put on the new clothes of grace (Colossians 3:12–14). – Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience. – Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – “Above all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.” • Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). – Truth without love fractures; love without truth flatters. – Combine both to “grow up in every way into Him who is the head.” • Practice regular, shared worship and fellowship (Acts 2:42–47). – Scripture, prayer, breaking bread, generosity—unity matures in community. Guardrails That Protect Our Unity • Reject divisive talk (Titus 3:10). • Address conflict quickly and biblically (Matthew 18:15–17). • Submit to godly leadership that guards sound doctrine (Hebrews 13:17). • Remember the cross: “Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:10–13). Promises Attached to Unity • A credible witness: “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). • A commanded blessing: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live in harmony! … For there the LORD has bestowed the blessing, life forevermore” (Psalm 133:1, 3). • Greater effectiveness in prayer and mission (Matthew 18:19; John 17:23). Unity is not a distant dream; it is the birthright Christ secured and the Holy Spirit sustains. As we walk in the pathways Scripture lays out, we experience the very oneness Jesus asked the Father to give us—and the world sees a living picture of the gospel. |
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