March 3, 2017

Read: John 17:20-26
 
In Ephesians 4 we’re entreated to walk in a manner worthy of our calling...with all humility, gentleness, and patience, forbearing with one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  What a wonderful commentary on how to live in the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17.    Jesus’ prayer for us was that we-we who are called by His name- “may be one, just as (He and the Father) are one.”  He said it was by that unity, that oneness “that the world may believe…”   Then what happens when the world beholds strife and pettiness in the church?   That’s why it’s so important for us to “be diligent to preserve that unity of the Spirit.”   The Scripture tells us how: with all humility, gentleness, patience, forbearing with one another in love.
 
I pray, O LORD, that before I would find fault, murmur, or be offended, I would remember your humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance with me.   Enable me to be diligent to follow your example and to discern what’s important to You and what’s not.   And, O LORD, grant that I might see all grievances in the light of your greater mission for us in this world.

In the Name of our mighty Savior,
Amen