What Is My Calling?ਨਮੂਨਾ

Called to maintain unity with fellow believers

“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 in You, that they also may be in Us” (John 17:20-21 ESV)

John 17 gives us a unique and intimate glimpse into a conversation between the Lord Jesus and God the Father, just before Jesus was going to die. He prays for unity among those who will believe in Him; a unity that has its origin and purpose in God Himself.

Unity is an essential characteristic of Jesus' followers. The Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, however different they may be in background and character. Moreover, they are all children of “one God and Father of all.” That creates a unique bond and binds together all those individual Christians worldwide into one church. But there is also much that threatens their unity. That is why Paul calls believers to be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3 ESV) This requires humility, gentleness, patience and loving mutual acceptance (Ephesians 4:2). It is no coincidence that these characteristics recur in Galatians 5:22-23, where Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in the lives of believers. Jesus Himself lived this way.

Unity is an essential characteristic of Jesus' followers, as I have written. Unfortunately, in practice this often looks different! What is the reason for that, do you think? To what extent can humility, gentleness, patience and loving tolerance preserve or reclaim unity and peace in the global church? What is your role in this?