Day 36: The Body of Christ United in Love
John 17:23
In John 17:23, Jesus prayed, “That they may be brought to complete unity.” This means that the Church is not merely a gathering of people but has a role in showing the world the love of Jesus and the will of God the Father. Just as Jesus is one with the Father, believers should also love one another, be united, and become one.
When the Church is united, people in the world will recognize that God sent Jesus and that God’s love for Jesus is the same love He has for us. Therefore, the Church is not just a place where we gather to worship, but a community that reveals God’s love to the world.
Practically speaking, this means that church members should love and care for one another and make efforts to resolve conflicts. It is important to reduce disputes through forgiveness and reconciliation, to share each other’s burdens, pray together, and encourage one another. When the Church lives in this kind of unity, Jesus’ prayer will be fulfilled, and the world will experience God’s love through the Church. Therefore, we must strive to love one another and be united within the Church.
However, this cannot be achieved by our efforts alone. In fact, it is the Holy Spirit who makes all of this possible. Therefore, we must go deeper with the Holy Spirit, depend on Him more, and desire Him more earnestly. When we do so, the content of the Lord’s prayer will be fully accomplished.
Reflection Prayer
Lord, guide the Church to be united so that we may reveal the love of Jesus and the will of the Father to the world. Melt away all division and conflict among us with forgiveness and reconciliation and help us become a community that loves and encourages one another. We confess that our own strength is not enough, so may the Holy Spirit bind our hearts together and fulfill the prayer that Jesus prayed. May the Holy Spirit, who powerfully came upon the Upper Room at Pentecost, come again upon all churches and believers today. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Week 6: Church and His Church
Acts 1:8
As we focus on the life of Christ, this week’s theme is Christ and His Church. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus stated, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The Church represents the collective Body of Believers unified by His love and empowered by His Spirit to witness for Him and execute the mission entrusted to us by Jesus. Recognizing the significance of this unity, adversaries attempt to undermine the mission through deception and conflict. Jesus calls for strength, courage, and unity to overcome these challenges. He has established a clear purpose for His Church, inviting believers to be the salt and light of the earth. It is essential that our actions shine before others, so they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Let us persist in collaborating with our King as He builds His Church.
Reflection Questions
How are you serving in your local church, and where might God be calling you next?
Have you invited your neighbors to church before?
How do you plan to pray for your church this week?