“I in them and you in me — so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” — John 17:23
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In team sports, it’s important for everyone to fulfill their role for the team. Being unified around a common purpose makes for great success. Even in individual sports, athletes need coaches to help them flourish.
As followers of Christ, we need one another. Throughout Jesus’ prayer in John 17, the theme of unity cannot be missed. I believe He spoke with the Father often in His prayer about unity because He knew we would struggle to accomplish that end. As a people, we tend to be selfish and consider our desires above others’ and even God’s.
Why is unity in the body of Christ so important? Verse 23 explains: Jesus prayed for, desires and expects unity from His followers “so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” The world needs to know the difference Jesus makes in the lives of His followers.
As we come to know Him and experience intimacy with Him through reading and studying the Bible, our lives begin to be transformed by His great love. We experience true joy and will have a desire to be united with others who are like-minded. Together, we present to the world a clear picture of how a relationship with Jesus transforms lives.
— Mickey Weston, Chicago White Sox chaplain
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