Next Steps - Nov 8

"I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. 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 17:15-21)

The above quoted passage memorializes Jesus' prayer to His father for us, for you, for me, for our unity with one another.

That sounds good. I mean, is there anybody who if asked would be opposed to unity? But what does that really mean when moved from a concept or a discussion to a life practice? How does unity play itself out when the person whom you are supposed to be in unity with isn't making the same kind of effort as you are? That's where it gets hard. That's where the world says, don't bother; "forget it, they don't deserve it." No, they don't. What does it look like then? What does it look like to live in the reality that we are "not of the world," even as we are sent into the world and for the sake of the world?

Not easy to do, but not really optional either. God calls us to be a people of community, with the grace that says "I will give you the ability to do this."

Wrestle this week with the question of what community looks like for you and for us. Talk to others about this question. Ask God to show you how you can move into greater unity; how you can live out His charge to be "one." Finally, read through the following verses on what this looks like and ask yourself how each plays out in your life and to the extent that you have control (If you are not doing so well, give yourself a break, and give them a try):

• Be at peace with one another. (Mark 9:50, and repeated elsewhere)
  
• Love one another. (John 13:34, and repeated many, many times)
  
• Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10)
  
• Live in harmony with one another. (Romans 12:16)
  
• Don’t pass judgment on one another. (Romans 14:13)
  
• Welcome one another. (Romans 15:7)
  
• Instruct one another. (Romans 15:14)
  
• Wait for one another. (1 Corinthians 11:33)
  
• Care for one another. (1 Corinthians 12:25)
  
• Greet one another . (1 Corinthians 16:20)
  
• Comfort one another; agree with one another. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
  
• Serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)
  
• With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bear with (tolerate) one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
  
• Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another. (Ephesians 4:32)
  
• Submit to one another. (Ephesians 5:21)
  
• Don’t lie to one another. (Colossians 3:9)
  
• Admonish one another. (Colossians 3:16)
  
• Encourage one another and build one another up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
  
• Do good to one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:15)
  
• Stir up one another to love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24)
  
• Do not speak evil against one another. (James 4:11)
  
• Do not grumble against one another. (James 5:9)
  
• Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another. (James 5:16)
  
• Show hospitality (love for strangers) to one another. (1 Peter 4:9)
  
• Act in humility toward one another. (1 Peter 5:5)
  
• Fellowship with one another. (1 John 1:7)
  

Peace, Hope and Love

Doug