Day 35: Unity

We were created for unity with fellow believers.  It is in unity that Jesus is most glorified.

Ephesians 4:1-3 says, "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

John 17:10-11 "All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one."

2 Corinthians 13:11 "Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you."

God’s oneness calls us to unity while his three-ness affirms our diversity and uniqueness.

•  Unity is not a suggestion; rather Scripture is clear in its command to pursue unity (Eph. 4:1-3, Romans 12:16, 2 Corinthians 13:11). In John 17 we see the deep desire and prayer of Christ’s heart for us, “that they may be one” – unity! Ask God to help you pursue unity in your circle of influence and ask him to reveal any words or actions in you, which might be causing division.  Lean in to listen.
• In the midst of a difficult circumstance in your own life, or on behalf of a friend or family member, pray for Jesus to give you the desire to “make every effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3)
• Pray for your pursuit of love that binds us together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14). Pray that as Christ followers we would be an example of unity and the world would see us putting aside our selfishness, pride and desire for personal gain that so often hurts the cause of Christ to which we are all called. Confess and surrender any pride or negativity keeping you from pursuing unity. Ask Jesus to give you the courage to choose peace and a life of sacrifice rather than selfish ambition. Ask him to make you a person who pursues restoration and fosters peace with others.
• Pray for our nation to grow in unity and peace. Pray for our churches to be unified in the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ as they serve together in regions across our country. Pray Jesus would be glorified in our unity as the church.

Julianne August, Prayer Catalyst