Being One

Being One

John 17:22-26, NLT

I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23I am in them and you are in me. 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. 24Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! 25O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. 26I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.

Setting the Scene

Perhaps the strongest, most repeated request in Jesus’ prayer is for unity in the body of believers. Jesus asked that the disciples be “one”—he wanted to see a deep connection among those who were connected to him. Jesus said this would be possible because he had “given them the glory” the Father had given him. In other words, all believers share an intimate knowledge of who Jesus is and have the Holy Spirit residing in them.

Earlier, Jesus had challenged the disciples to “love each other” so that their “love for one another” would prove to the world that they were his disciples (John 13:34-35, NLT). Both “unity” and “love” have the same purpose—“that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” Here Jesus was still referring to all his followers, not just the immediate disciples. When Christians demonstrate this oneness, they convince the world that the Father sent the Son and that the Father loves believers deeply and eternally, just as he loves the Son.

Getting Personal

In your experience, what kinds of issues cause division in churches or between churches?

How can we discover the way Christ is working in other believers?

As you meet Christians from other churches, what can you do to express your unity with them?

Too often Christians are known for what divides instead of what unites them. The multitude of denominations, minute theological distinctions, and worship expressions confuse outsiders. And consider the damage inflicted by church splits and lawsuits among believers. Instead, we should join ranks with all those who honor Jesus as Lord and affirm his Word. We should be united in our common belief in Jesus as the God-man, the only way to heaven, through faith, because of his death on the cross and resurrection. Instead of competing for members, churches should work together to spread the gospel community-wide.

Talking to God

Pray for other churches in your community that preach the Word and believe in Jesus as the Savior—and pray for your own church’s witness in your community. Ask the Father to give believers in your area a unity that allows for differences in giftedness and personality—and even in minor doctrinal beliefs. Pray that others will be drawn to the Savior because of the love and unity you demonstrate.