May the God who gives perseverance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one mind and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
-Romans 15:5-6
Thoughts on today’s verse…
Unity comes from the Spirit of God as we all draw closer to Jesus (John 17:20-21). As we are drawn to Jesus through the Spirit, we immediately find ourselves drawn closer to one another (1 John 1:1-4). Unity has a purpose deeper than just our being with each other. Jesus prayed that we would be one so that the world would know that God sent Him into the world as the Son to save the world (John 3:16-17, 17:21, 23). We want to be united so that our praise can glorify God and lead others to Him. Unity is more than a goal; It is a process through which the world learns about Jesus. Also, we glorify the Father who sent Jesus to save us when we live together in unity. Leading others to Jesus and glorifying God is what living for Jesus is all about! Let’s make unity one of our deepest passions.
My prayer…
Great and Almighty God, You are the eternal strength of all who call on Your name. I apologize for anything I have done and any words I have said that have hurt others in your family, and I ask for your forgiveness. I do not want to hurt the unity of your body, the Church. So please, bless my efforts as I desire less than I desire, live for Your glory, and draw closer to and encourage others. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
