That We May Be One

“I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 

I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one—I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me.”
– John 17:20-23


These words are part of Jesus’ final prayer before Gethsemane and His arrest. He prays not only for His disciples but for all future believers—including us. And what does He ask? That we may be one. His desire is not for a loosely associated group of individuals, but for a united body, joined in deep spiritual communion, just as He is with the Father.

This unity isn’t a bonus feature of the Christian life—it’s essential to our witness. Jesus says that our oneness will help the world believe that He was sent by God. That means our ability to live together in love, despite differences, is not just about getting along—it’s about making Christ visible to the world.

True unity doesn’t erase our distinctions. It doesn’t mean we all worship the same way or interpret every verse identically. It means we live in shared love, truth, and grace, grounded in Christ. This unity is possible because Jesus lives in us. When we yield to Him, unity becomes more than an ideal—it becomes a reality shaped by His presence.


Questions

1. What stands in the way of unity in your relationships with other Christians?

2. How does Jesus’ prayer for unity shape your view of disagreements in the church?

3. What would it mean for you to live more fully into Jesus’ prayer for “perfect unity”?


Suggested Activity

Spend time today praying for unity in your church or Christian community. Ask God to heal divisions, soften hearts, and bring believers together in humility and grace. Consider one action you can take this week to foster greater unity among those around you.


Prayer

Lord Jesus, 

You prayed for my unity with others—even knowing how hard it would be. Thank You for Your vision of the church as one body, perfectly united in love. Forgive me for any ways I have contributed to division or closed my heart to others. Make me an answer to Your prayer. Let my life speak of Your love through the unity I share with others in You.

In Your name I pray. Amen.

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