Day 28
Read Luke 9:49-50.
If we had to make a list of things Jesus highlighted as important for His Body, the church, unity would have to be near the top of the list. In today’s passage, John expressed concern to Jesus that the disciples had recently met someone who was casting out demons in Jesus’ name, and they tried to stop him from doing that because he was not part of the disciples’ group. Jesus’ response was clear, “Don’t hinder him; he who is not against you is for you!” (Luke 9:50).
UNITY IN THE BODY
The Bible is full of expectation for the people of God to be unified through their faith. We aren’t unified because we are alike; we are all very different from one another. Each of us is uniquely shaped and fashioned by God in our mothers’ wombs. But Jesus unites us; our faith in Him is the strength of our unity.
Paul said we have “One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:5-6), and that we are one body born of one Spirit, with one hope in Jesus Christ! In short, we are already united in Christ, so we should live that way every day in our speech, conduct, attitudes, and behavior. In fact, Paul said we should be “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
PRAY…
Father, thank you for uniting all of us who have put our faith in Jesus with one another as individual parts of the collective Body of Christ. It is an amazing thing! However, I am often guilty of acting as though I am not connected to my brothers and sisters at all. Sometimes I criticize, gossip about, and generally act unkind toward some of my faith family. Today, Lord, I repent and ask for Your cleansing forgiveness and grace to wash me clean. Help us to love one another according to Your Word so that despite our differences, we can be united in Christ and in His important work. I ask this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Sourced From State Convention of Baptists in Ohio | scbo.org