Written by: lisa alvino
“I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me”. - John 17:23
God’s desire has always been that His people would make every effort to live together in unity with one another, regardless of differing beliefs, values, or preferences. American politics have become extremely divisive over the years, making unity feel nearly impossible. But Jesus never asked His followers to agree on everything because unity has never meant uniformity. Jesus’ command was to “love one another” and be united by love. Andy Stanley, a pastor in Atlanta, says, “We can disagree politically and love unconditionally,” meaning that we don’t have to agree with everything someone says, believes, or does to love them well.
Right before Jesus was betrayed and denied by His own friends, He spent time praying for them, and then shifted His prayer to pray for His future followers - which includes us today. Knowing how divisive humanity could be, Jesus prayed that we would “become perfectly one” - that we would be unified. When we are united we are more powerful than when we are divided. And yet, here we are, dangerously divided about almost everything. But what could happen if we stopped tearing each other apart? What if we were no longer devoted to manipulation and division tactics and committed to stand together, united in Christ? What if we fought together for peace, unity, and harmony?
A Prayer for Unity: God, Nothing that is happening in our country or our world today is a surprise to you. We need you. Our country feels broken and uncertain, and we are struggling and hurting. Help us to choose love over being right. Help us to look beyond our differences and see what can unite us. We want to be known for what we are for, not who we are against, and we want to be known by the way we genuinely love others. We ask for unity in our community and in our country because we know we are stronger together. Give us the courage to speak up. Amen.