Day 16 devotional- unity

here's the prayer guide's lesson for today:

"

Unity

Scripture: John 17:21 (NLT) I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one- as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

Personal reflection: It is no small thing for believers to be one in heart, mind, and ambition. Unity is based on love, grace, patience and humility- maturing as individuals so that we can esteem others as greater than ourselves. No small task, for sure, but we have to remember what Jesus did for us to bring us all together in unity regardless of religious differences, cultural differences or economic differences glorifies God and builds his kingdom. We need each other, and this is why we are instructed to be patient, speak the truth in love, bear with one another, think of ourselves in humility and understand that grace has been pured out in Christ. We do this so that the world will believe in Jesus- because we look like him. If we truly desire unity, love is the place we must start.

Going forward I'm committed to _______.

Additional Scripture support: Eph. 4:3-1, 10-13, Phil 2:1, Col 2:2, 1 Cor 12:12-26, Rom. 6:4-5, 15:5-6

Praying through scripture:
psalm 133:1, eph. 4:13, col. 3:13-14 (MSG)
Jesus, it is wonderful and beautiful when brothers and sisters get along. Help us to get along with one another, learning to be considerate of each other, cultivating a life in common. Working within your body, the church, we are all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to you, as fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive in you. So, because we are chosen for this new life, let us wear compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength and discipline. Being even-tempered, content with second place and quick to forgive offenses as quickly and completely as you've forgiven us. And above all else, let us wear love- it's your basic all-purpose garment and we should never be without it. Amen.

"

Two of the most popular books on the christianity debate are the case for christ and the god delusion. One book is about a former atheist who seeks to disprove christity scientifically and turns into a christian himself, stating that there is more evidence for god than against. the other is about a former christian who looks at the world around him and how people treat each other and comes to the conclusion that a God cannot exist. Above scientific evidence, people notice how we interact with each other.

People see us. They look at Christians, and if the don't see God in them, they are discouraged.

When we make Christianity like an inclusive click, we jade people. When we purposely invite some people to bible study and avoid asking others, people notice. Christianity is about UNITY, not picking who we want to join. It's about looking at every single individual as a potential brother and sister, and as such, a potential part of our body. When we label ourselves as Christians, and then don't help the needy around us, people notice.

One of the biggest critiques about Haiti right now is that people are only helping because it's fashionable, while they hide from other people in need. As my roommate put it, Haiti is more popular than American Idol right now, and we've got t-shirts and wristbands to prove it. Which is wonderful that at least it's motivating people to help. But we need to realize that Christianity isn't always fashionable. We need to wear the garments of love and mercy all the time, not just when it's convenient. Not just when we can flaunt it. Not like a popularity contest. We need to wear mercy and love consistantly. Because people notice.

Going forward, I'm committed to reminding myself that unification means everyone. It means seeing them as a part of ourselves, connectiong through our Father. If they are not healthy, neither is the body, Lord. I'm committed to noticing need, and wearing love in response.