Love Defined: Devotions From Time of GraceSample

Imagine love

The night before he died, Jesus prayed that the world would witness uncommon unity and love among Christians. “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father” (John 17:20,21).

Can you imagine if the Father answered his Son’s prayer among us this week? Like . . . “Mom, who are the flowers from?” “Some friends at church. They remembered that your dad died four years ago this month.” “Really?” 

Or . . . “Dude, why are you driving that sorry excuse for a truck?” “Honestly? I gave my car fund to a family from church that’s struggling.” “Really?” 

Or . . . “Wait, you and your ex go to the same church?” “Yeah, we couldn’t work it out, but we forgive each other and both need our church friends right now.” “Really?” 

Or . . . “Who are you texting?” “A buddy from church. He’s struggling with an addiction, and we try to encourage each other to stay strong.” “Really?”

That kind of love would be weird and wonderful. Maybe the world would know that Jesus is more than another religion. Maybe they’d wonder if he’s the One. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the church was not known for its music or its ministers but for the way we love one another? Thankfully, we have a listening Father, a forgiving Jesus, and an empowering Spirit to help us do that very thing.

So, brothers and sisters, let the light of Christian love shine brightly today!