To have unity in every relationship in our lives, Jesus gives us this command: love one another.

However, that command is not as simple as we might initially think. It is not only to love one another but more importantly to love one another as Jesus has loved us. God loved the world so much that He gave His Son to save us through Him, and Jesus loved the world so much that He was put to death to provide us with the opportunity of salvation. Jesus died for all creation, even those who don’t choose Him, who betrayed Him, who mocked Him, who beat Him. Jesus died for Judas, the disciple who walked with Him for years during His ministry on earth and turned Him in to be killed in exchange for money.

It’s easy for us to love those who love us and treat us with respect. The true test comes when we must love those who offend us, those who treat us with contempt, those who betray us. To have unity, we must have a love like Jesus’ love, a love that exceeds worldly expectations.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your unconditional love. You loved me and called me by name even before I was formed in my mother's womb. In spite of my flaws you still drew me with your loving kindness. Help me to love others the way you love me and give me a willing spirit to forgive those who have hurt me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Let’s challenge ourselves to love those who have hurt us and break through any barrier of division created by the enemy, to work together in unity for His will to be done through us.