Complete Unity

The header for verses 20-26 of the Gospel of John Chapter 17 in my New International Version translation is: Jesus Prays for All Believers.  The setting is right after the Last Supper as Jesus continues His longest recorded discourse. Jesus has been alternately teaching and praying for His disciples.  Now, He is specific about praying for us.

What does He pray?

For oneness. Unity. “That all of them may be one”—using the example of His connection with God the Father. He even goes on to say that the relationship between us and Him and the Father can bring us to “complete unity.” 

Pause for a moment and reflect:  What might the complete unity of believers look like?

And, what can our complete unity with God and one another produce?  A witness to the world that Jesus is who He said He is and that His love is real ( See John 17:20-26). Our witness is less about projects and programs and organizations and systems. Our witness is as simple (and as complex) as oneness and love for one another.  The world takes notice.

When have you seen a recent example of unity among followers of Jesus? How can you focus on loving others over projects and accomplishments? Spend some time praying for unity in the Body of Christ.

 Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been EquipConnectServe Director at her 1,200 member church since 1999.

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.