John 17:20-23, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one - 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."

Think

In recent days, we've seen what disunity looks like. One glance at different news stations reveals that one event can be viewed in starkly different ways. A seemingly simple comment on Facebook can spark a hate-filled discussion. Conversations with strangers become guarded because it's unknown where they might stand on any number of topics that could come up. Unfortunately, this general distrust often remains even among Christians.

Like a small car, jostling down an unpaved road in the dark, disunity is unsettling. It causes us to go slowly, ride the brake, and stare intently at the road ahead with consternation and unease. Conversely, race car drivers drive very differently. They take curves at high speeds, pedal to the metal - but they're not alone. They drive with confidence because a team in the pit tracks their moves, gives advice, changes tires, and provides whatever support they need to cross the finish line.

As believers, we are on the same team - pushing our teammates onward in the race of life to the finish line for God's glory. This was Jesus' prayer for Christians - that they would be unified. The unity of those in Christ is greater than all of the differences that distract and divide us.

That's what life is truly about. The gospel is about building bridges and breaking through the barriers that so greatly divide. Regardless of it all, despite varying opinions, we are to lead with love and extend our hands in an effort to draw those who have yet to meet Christ into a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Act

Make a point to find something you have in common with a brother or sister in Christ that you disagree with. Show them God's love with words of praise and encouragement.

Pray

Lord, I pray for unity. Let it first start with me! I pray that You convict my heart of any divisiveness. Give me the wisdom to know when I need to speak up and when to hold my tongue for the greater good of my brothers and sister in Christ. Let my interactions point others to Your love! In Jesus' name, Amen.