Following Jesus includes praying for and pursuing a loving unity among fellow Christians.
What does Jesus ask of Father God, in the prayer listed in John 17:11, 20-21?
“That they may be one even as we are one,” – John 17:11b ESV
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I am in you, that they also may be in us, so that they world may believe that you have sent me.” – John 17:20-21 ESV
Jesus quotes as most important commandment, “Listen Israel, The Lord our God is the One and only Lord.” – Mark 12:29 ESV
“In the one God the origin and goal of the world, and in the one Christ history and salvation history, are a unity.” – The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” – Romans 12:5 ESV
“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35
“Let us pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding.” – Romans 14:19 ESV
“So let us try to do what makes peace and helps one another.” – Romans 14:19 NCV
“So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.” – Romans 14:19 CSB
“So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up” – Romans 14:19 NLT
What do we learn?
1. Jesus prayed for our unity among fellow Christians.
2. Jesus taught us to love fellow Christians, pursuing unity.
What should we do?
1. Pray for unity among Christians.
2. Pursue unity among Christians.
How can we do this?
1. Pray according to the teachings of Jesus.
2. Ask God to help us pursue unity.
3. Set a priority on our relationships with each other.
4. Encourage each other.
5. Pursue mutually beneficial peace with each other.
6. Express love by listening with an intent to understand each other.
7. Share the love of God with each other.