Two-minute read.
To live united, we must have a place of agreement. As Christ followers, He gives us a starting point. Believing in the Lord as our Savior begins the conversation, no matter what the situation. As we encounter life circumstances, we can look to the scriptures for instruction and follow Jesus’s example. Created for connection with the Lord and with people, God has provided everything we need to find victory.
As human beings, we all share the same problem; every one of us falls short of the mark, sinners in need of grace. Some people recognize their need for a Savior; others don’t. When Jesus walked the earth, He treated everyone the same, loving all. If people didn’t want to follow Him, the Lord didn’t force the issue, allowing them their free will. Not all will want to have Christ at the center of their life, but we can still love them and pray for them, hoping one day they will change their mind.
In a world full of chaos and turmoil, living in unity with others brings joy to God’s heart and peace to our lives. Appreciating differences gives spice to life. If everyone did the same thing, life would have no excitement. But learning to love people for their differences not only grows us, but helps them reach their full potential. And ultimately, don’t we all want to eek every ounce of life out of our purpose?
As we close this six-week devotional on friendship, let’s challenge ourselves to live in unity with God’s people, loving them, despite their differences. The Lord gives us free will to make our own decisions and choose how we will act. To love others, we must do the same. Remember, God loves us enough not to leave us as we are, but to transform us into new beings. We can help others do the same by praying for them and supporting them on their journey with Christ.
One day, we will meet in heaven, a place filled with people from all nationalities worshiping the Lord together. Why not start now? Loving those God places in our lives to the best of our ability and living in unity with His people one day at a time.
Celebrate the unique people the Lord gives you to love and do life with. Grow together as one body with different parts, and live life fully. In Christ, we have all we need to fulfill our purpose and persevere through the ups and downs of this world as we make our way to the promised land, eternal life with the Savior.
Journal Questions:
How does living in unity with Christ’s followers bring you joy?
In what areas do you struggle to love others?
How can you become more like Jesus today?
Friendship Application:
Celebrate the people in your life and live in unity with them.
