John 17: 20-21 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 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. (NLT)
As Jesus approached his trial, death and resurrection, his greatest concern was for the unity of his followers. He prayed for his community of disciples then and in the future, including us today. That means he prayed for Baruch Senior Ministries, for me, for you. Specifically, he prayed that we would experience complete unity and be perfectly one. Jesus shared that Communities of Faith best show God’s love to the world when we live in unity.
What does it mean to live in unity as people and communities of faith? One pastor summed it up this way: “being on one another’s side” as we work together in love to do the mission of Jesus.
Living in unity means acting together even when we don’t think alike. Unity doesn’t mean that people have identical or even similar opinions or views. It doesn’t mean that you agree or like the same things. The disciples had different opinions and behaviors, but they learned to act together to share the Good News.
Living in unity means prioritizing our emotional and spiritual energy on important matters, not trivial ones. This means working together to do what Jesus commanded: to show and tell the Good News of God’s love for all people. Somehow we need to find ways to notice and release all that distracts us.
Living in perfect unity means wanting good for others and being supportive. This means intentionally encouraging each other instead of gossiping or demeaning one another. This is letting go of seeking our own way. Living in unity means to learn from our differences, respect and love one another, even those we dislike.
In your church/community/family, what are your priorities? How do you support one another? Where and when do you engage in disunity? As people of faith and communities of faith, let us be on one another’s sides and live in unity as Jesus prayed.
Chaplain Karen