Jesus prayed, “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:23 NIV).
One day I was thinking about the intensity of desire in Jesus’ heart that caused Him to pray three times in John 17, “that they may be one as we are one.” As I thought about the tremendous amount of division among denominations, the idea of “being one” seemed hopeless. The differences were just too great. Then the Lord reminded me, “You and Donn are different—very different!”
That was certainly true! My husband, Donn, and I have very different interests and personalities, but for 26 years we have enjoyed a strong marriage. We have chosen to focus on our mutual goals and our love for each other rather than on our differences. I believe God was saying that unity is possible if believers from different denominations will do the same.
I know that believers are never going to agree on everything, even within denominations. However, if our love for one another and our desire to reach the lost are strong, I believe that the unity Jesus longed for can happen.
Forgive us, Father, when our desire to be right interferes with our desire to be one. Amen.
