“that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” John 17:21

A few years ago we adopted a homeless dog, possibly a run-away who was never reunited with his owners. One of the first things that we did was to have him “chipped,” so he could be returned if he ever tried to run again. People who meet our cute friend do not realize he is ours by looking at the chip, because that is hidden. They do, however, realize that he is ours by the way that he leaves a nice warm bed to run and stay close to his family. They realize he is ours by the way he lovingly interacts with his family.

Our relationship with Christ is similar. When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit is deposited within us, similar to the chip for our dog. Ephesians 1:13 says “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise.” The next verse in Ephesians tells us that Spirit is our guarantee for redemption. But, the Holy Spirit is sealed inside us, away from the world’s eyes.

But the world can see how we treat one another – how we lovingly interact with our family. In John 13:35, Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” This is how others see Jesus – and how others will believe that Jesus is the One True Messiah, sent by Holy God.

Prayer – Father, increase my love for my family in Christ. Grow me so that with all humility and gentleness, with patience, I will show tolerance for one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2) Help me to be willing to give up my place of comfort so that I may encourage and fellowship with my family in Christ. I pray that the world will see my love for my brothers and sisters and will look to You for salvation. Amen.