Unity produces power!

• Unity is Jesus’ prayer for the Church – all those who believe in Him.

• Unity produces power

• How to be in unity with others

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35)

Jesus prayed before leaving the earth, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. 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. I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are.” (John 17:20-22) He gave us a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35) My goal for the Colossian believers, wrote Paul, is that they will be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. (Col 2:2)

It is no surprise that the number one mission of the enemy is to steal, kill and destroy anything that could potentially cause unity and promote love between husbands and wives as well as brothers and sisters in the Lord. His motto is ‘Divide and Rule’ and in many ways he appears to be succeeding. It takes effort on our behalf to walk in love. It does not come naturally but by the Spirit of God.

The Bible shows us the power of unity. Unity causes answered prayer (Matt 18:19); signs and wonders (Acts 5:12); Revival (Acts 8:6-8) and souls get saved. (Acts 2:46-47) Surely as believers our heart should want God’s will to be done on earth and not the enemy’s.

Paul wrote, “For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Rom 5:5) The Holy Spirit is in us to help us walk in love – the agape love of God. God wants us to extend the same unconditional love that He has for us, to others.

Here are three ways to help us walk in unity with others:

1. Dwell in Christ, was Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers. “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Eph 3:16-19) The life and power that comes from God will enable you to extend the love you have received from God to others.

2. Speak God’s Word. “In fact, the Scriptures say, "The message is close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.” (Rom 10:8) We must agree with what God says He has already given us. We have the love of God in our hearts. Speak words of love to others. Practice the love of God to others. Practice makes perfect.

3. Pray in the Spirit. Jude wrote, “But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit.” (Jude 1:20) You are never alone. The Holy Spirit is your helper. He is there to help and guide you. To empower you to walk in the ways that God has called you to walk. God will not ask anything of you that He was not sure you could accomplish with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Make a decision today to walk in unity with your brothers and sisters in the Lord as far as it depends on you. For there the Lord commands a blessing because He knows that it takes much effort to keep in the Spirit of love and unity. (Ps 133)

Prayer Points:

• Heavenly Father, today help me to make that special effort to walk in love towards those who are part of Your body.

• Help me to forgive those who have offended and hurt me by their words or actions.

• Thank you too for forgiving me for my sins.

• May my life today be a witness to others that I am Your disciple.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen