It's especially interesting that when Jesus prayed for his disciples and the future Church, He didn't pray for our health, safety, or daily needs, but for our unity: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:20-21, ESV).
Throughout history there have unfortunately been schisms and divisions in the Church and they continue today. How we grieve the heart of Jesus when we choose disunity over unity!
We need to open our eyes to being church the way the Bible describes. More than mere belief in Jesus, loving Him marks the Christian. All those who love Jesus form the one Church.
We also need to consider how Jesus envisioned the Church. If we love Him, we will keep His commandments.
And we need to focus on what Jesus says is our calling. Our unity will transform the Church into an instrument of evangelism -- when we're one, the world will see the truth of the Gospel.
