We Are All One

"I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not." John 17:14 (NLT)

"My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father--that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me." John 17:21 (NLT)

I do not know how many times I've come to this forum and read posts and acounts of how boylovers who are Christians feel persecuted. How they are being put down not only by the unsaved world but by the church as well. I've experienced this kind of thing myself many times, both in and out of church. It hurts bad enough when it comes from the world, but when it comes from our own "family" members it's almost impossible to bear. But when I reflect on these passages from one of the most beautiful prayers in scripture, I see that Jesus knew this kind of thing might happen. His prayer was for unity among ALL brothers and sisters in Christ, so that the world will see God's glory. So instead of yelling out, "It isn't right! It isn't fair!", I should ask myself, "What would Jesus do in my situation?". I believe the answer is that he would choose the way of peace. That perhaps we must be the ones to find ways to make his prayer a reality through forgiveness, tollerence, and love.

Prayer
Dear Lord, we know that you love all of your creation and all of your children because of the precious words your Son gave us. We are also aware of the persecution directed at us, not only from an unbelieving world but from other Christians as well. Please help us to see how all Christians are our brothers and sisters, even if they are misguided. Please give us the courage to forgive all who come against us, and give us the strength to show them your love and compassion regardless of what they might do. In Jesus name, Amen.