PURSUING UNITY FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL
So much division has permeated our culture, media and even the Body. It has been wearying and grievous. However, as followers of Jesus, we know we are to live in unity, not just for ourselves but for the sake of others.
THE BEST SOURCE FOR THE BEST KIND OF UNITY
Godly unity begins with God Himself. He has united us personally with Him through our saving relationship with Yeshua (Jesus). As we spend time with Him in His Word and prayer, He reveals our deepest thoughts and heart intentions, which can sometimes feel uncomfortable. But He also lovingly renews our minds when we align our thoughts to Him. We can invite Him to shape the meditations of our hearts and the words we say. Union with the Lord becomes what sets the foundation for us to walk in unity with other Believers.
UNITY FOR THE SAKE OF OTHERS
It also produces a supernatural kind of love for one another that testifies who God really is. Together, we become living letters from Him to a world that is literally dying to experience for itself that kind of love.
Here at Jewish Voice, we always ask you to pray for unity so our Outreach team members can work as one toward seeing others come to know Jesus. If the enemy, the accuser of the brethren, can cause us to come against one another, it makes his fight against us much easier.
So instead, we seek to live worthy of Yeshua’s Good News, “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:27b). We see your prayers for us at work in the field as the Lord knits together hearts from different cultures, nations and ages to function smoothly amid unfamiliar, unexpected and, at times, even distressing circumstances. Unity helps us pray in one accord and combine efforts to see those prayers answered.
SCRIPTURE PRAYER REFLECTION ON PURSUING UNITY
We Believers are empowered to live out the oneness we have already been given in Jesus through His Spirit. Ephesians 4:3 tells us to endeavor to keep this spiritual unity. Let’s pursue God’s help in putting this into practice by prayerfully reflecting on the Scripture passage and questions below.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. — Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)
How have humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance and love helped me walk in unity with others?
Lord, what efforts are You inviting me to make to keep the unity of the Spirit, not on my own, but by You working through me?
Jesus, Prince of Peace, in what specific ways may You be offering to help me live in peace with others?
Have I had a role in any form of disunity which has hurt someone, hindered the Spirit’s ministry or the testimony of the Good News?
Is there anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness from? Lord, show me how, in humility, I can pursue reconciliation and unity with those I have impacted.
Lord, as I read verses 4–6 of Ephesians chapter 4, show me how these points of unity are amazing gifts from You.
What upcoming opportunity with other Believers comes to mind as I ponder unity in my own life? How can I sow unity into that encounter?
Let’s pray for unity in the Body, starting with ourselves:
Lord, help me fully experience union with You as You abide in me and I in You. Teach me to walk in godly unity with others. It is hard, Lord, when disagreements and differences pull us apart until we don’t know what to think or how to respond. Thank You for Your indwelling Spirit, who guides me into all truth and helps me live in humility out of Your love. Unify Your Body and start with me, for Your name’s sake and the sake of others coming to know You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
