Then the World Will Know
“When we decide to put others first and join hands, we find a kind of security that no amount of ‘me, me, me’ can offer.”
John 17:20-23 (NIV)
“My prayer is not for them alone. 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. 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—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
Reflection
In a world that often tells us to go our own way, chase our own dreams, and look out for ourselves above all else, we're faced with a choice—a choice to look at oneself or turn toward and come together with others. It’s a decision to be part of something greater, like finding shelter with friends when things get tough. And this choice, inspired by what Jesus says in John 17:20-23, uncovers a hidden strength when we decide to unite, even when the world tells us to be independent.
Unity isn't just something that happens; it's a choice we must make, a choice to stand side by side with one another. It's saying, "I've got your back, and you've got mine." This choice puts action to our faith and allows the world to see Jesus' love.
Just think about your favorite sports team, where players with individual skills come together to achieve a common goal—victory! Each athlete willingly sets aside personal glory for the team's overall success, proving that unity is a choice that leads to championships.
Or consider a puzzle—random, scattered pieces that only make sense when they unite. It's as if each piece says, "I may be small, but together, we create something beautiful."
Even the act of a choir singing in harmony, individual voices blend into a powerful, harmonious sound that resonates with those who listen. It's a perfect picture of unity turning ordinary notes into a heavenly symphony.
These everyday examples remind us that unity is a choice we make, a decision to come together despite the world's pressures to go it alone. When we make the decision to unite, we embody the love of Jesus, showing the world that there's strength in togetherness, just like Jesus prayed we would receive and display.
In a world that says, "Look out for number one," we need to realize the supernatural power of coming together. When we decide to put others first and join hands, we find a kind of security that no amount of "me, me, me" can offer.
Today, as we balance our individual lives with being part of a community, remember the power that comes when we decide to unite. This choice not only keeps our faith strong but also shows the world how Jesus' love can change everything.
Action Steps
Today, take a step towards unity. Reach out to someone in your community, a friend, or a neighbor, and offer your support, your time, or simply a listening ear. Make a choice to be part of something greater than yourself.
Prayer
Help us, Lord, to make the choice of unity in our daily lives. Give us the strength to set aside our own desires and to embrace the greater good of community. May our actions reflect the love of Your Son, Jesus, and may we be beacons of hope to a world in need of unity and compassion. In His name, we pray. Amen.
“My prayer is not for them alone. 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. 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—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
Reflection
In a world that often tells us to go our own way, chase our own dreams, and look out for ourselves above all else, we're faced with a choice—a choice to look at oneself or turn toward and come together with others. It’s a decision to be part of something greater, like finding shelter with friends when things get tough. And this choice, inspired by what Jesus says in John 17:20-23, uncovers a hidden strength when we decide to unite, even when the world tells us to be independent.
Unity isn't just something that happens; it's a choice we must make, a choice to stand side by side with one another. It's saying, "I've got your back, and you've got mine." This choice puts action to our faith and allows the world to see Jesus' love.
Just think about your favorite sports team, where players with individual skills come together to achieve a common goal—victory! Each athlete willingly sets aside personal glory for the team's overall success, proving that unity is a choice that leads to championships.
Or consider a puzzle—random, scattered pieces that only make sense when they unite. It's as if each piece says, "I may be small, but together, we create something beautiful."
Even the act of a choir singing in harmony, individual voices blend into a powerful, harmonious sound that resonates with those who listen. It's a perfect picture of unity turning ordinary notes into a heavenly symphony.
These everyday examples remind us that unity is a choice we make, a decision to come together despite the world's pressures to go it alone. When we make the decision to unite, we embody the love of Jesus, showing the world that there's strength in togetherness, just like Jesus prayed we would receive and display.
In a world that says, "Look out for number one," we need to realize the supernatural power of coming together. When we decide to put others first and join hands, we find a kind of security that no amount of "me, me, me" can offer.
Today, as we balance our individual lives with being part of a community, remember the power that comes when we decide to unite. This choice not only keeps our faith strong but also shows the world how Jesus' love can change everything.
Action Steps
Today, take a step towards unity. Reach out to someone in your community, a friend, or a neighbor, and offer your support, your time, or simply a listening ear. Make a choice to be part of something greater than yourself.
Prayer
Help us, Lord, to make the choice of unity in our daily lives. Give us the strength to set aside our own desires and to embrace the greater good of community. May our actions reflect the love of Your Son, Jesus, and may we be beacons of hope to a world in need of unity and compassion. In His name, we pray. Amen.
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