God Reflection: Talking with God
It was the night of Jesus’ betrayal by His inner circle. It was the night Jesus demonstrate servitude by foot washing. All His followers are to be servants. It was the night that Jesus gave a new commandment.
“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know you that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
What an incredible evening. It was on that evening when Jesus promised He would send His Holy Spirit. It was that evening, before His crucifixion when Christ reminds the disciples, that they must stay connected to Him—the vine—if they are to bear fruit.
The Apostle John, who was with Jesus that night, describes Jesus’ last act in preparation for His betrayal. He went to the garden to talk with His father.
After praying for Himself, and for his disciples, Jesus prays for all future believers—including me.
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me, and I am in you.
May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.
Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”
I must confess I don’t understand Jesus’ prayer. I think I understand the words. What I don’t understand is the divided church I see today does not seem to fulfill Jesus’ prayer.
At the same time, God does not work against himself.
I wonder, is Jesus speaking of a time that hasn’t yet arrived? Is the complete unity of which Jesus speaks dealing with His second coming? Is He speaking of the next reality when all will be united in God and Jesus? Must we wait until then for the world to recognize the love that comes from God’s oneness with Jesus and our oneness with the Godhead?
At any rate, it seems to me we as His church dishonor His prayer. I can’t magically heal the church—neither can you. I do believe the more we show a loving, united church, the more powerful Jesus will be to those who have yet to find him.
One last thought. Although there is the corporate aspect of the church, my responsibility to God is personal. The church may reflect division, but I have within my power to offer grace to my brothers and sisters at every encounter. From the Holy Spirit who lives in me, the power is at my disposal to live in love and unity with all believers.
I have within my power to be a fountain of unity without compromising ‘Jesus The Truth’ and my relationship with Him. I can at least make every effort to live in the spirit of honoring Jesus’ prayer.
Shouldn’t I be in conversation with God about my lack of obedience in this area of my Christian walk? Do you too feel the need to seek God’s nudge in this area of your life? How can we do better? I would love to hear from you.
Stay tuned.
Gary Sorrells
A God Reflection on Should I Talk with God About My Lack of Love and Unity?
God Reflection 
Gary,
Excellent post as usual! I appreciated: “I have within my power to be a fountain of unity without compromising ‘Jesus The Truth’ and my relationship with Him.
Best as always to you,and your family, Denise
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Right again, dear Gary. How can I not offer grace to everyone I know, when I seek grace from God through Jesus?
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