Known by Our Love for One Another

September 13, 2024

Jesus’ last prayer before he went to the cross was that the church would live in unity: “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” John 17:21, NLT. 

Our unity as God’s family, the church, is our greatest witness to unbelievers.

Romans 12:10 says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

By this all people will know that you are my disciples. By what? By our love for one another.

God’s presence in your life should make you a more loving person—not harsher or more opinionated or more stubborn, but more loving.

God says when we have unity within the church and when we love each other, we ae showing the world that we belong to Jesus. Our unity and our love is a testimony of the power of Christ to transform lives.

This doesn’t mean we agree on everything all the time, but it means we care more about other people than we do our own opinions.

Also, when we submit our opinions to God and let him transform our hearts and minds from the inside out, we typically find that we start to agree with other believers more (because he is transforming our minds to think like Him), or you’ll find that you have more patience and understanding for those who don’t agree with you.

Either way, you can do your part in striving for unity and peace.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18, NIV

As far as it depends on you. That means, just do your part. You can't control others, but you can do your part to try to live at peace with those around you. 

I pray that Seminole Church is a church that loves people well, and lives at peace with everyone, as far as it depends on us.

Our job is to keep loving each other and the community around us, and continue to tell the greatest true story ever told, the story of Jesus Christ.