April 14
Answering Jesus' Prayer John 17:20,21
I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one.
As I reflect on the teachings of Christ, I find that much of His instruction dealt with maintaining peace and harmony in relationships. He taught His disciples to break down barriers in relationships. He taught them to forgive each other. Love was the banner of His earthly ministry. The prayer above is the Savior's "high priestly prayer" near the end of His life. Why did He focus on unity and oneness at this crucial point? Could it be that the strongest demonstration of the Holy Spirit's power in our lives might be imperfect Christians living with one another?
But it isn't always easy, is it? When you and your mate-or you and your children-have a conflict with each other, you probably tend to withdraw from intimacy. Then you begin to believe the worst about the other person, and eventually you lash out in anger or bitterly withdraw and let the anger fester.
Communication is vital to maintaining unity. You may have to reinvent your own "pony express" to stay close, even if it has to run through "hostile territory." Maybe you want to have one meal a day when your family sits down and eats together with the phone off the hook and the television off. Possibly you should pray together at the end of the day with your mate and with each of your children. Or maybe you'll take a walk and talk with a troubled teen who just needs you to be there.
The main thing is to take responsibility for doing your part to see that Jesus' prayer doesn't go unanswered, and that "you may be one."
Prayer: That Christ's prayer for unity will be realized in the way your family members come together in love, acceptance and forgiveness.
Discuss: In your family, how does disharmony typically start? Does fostering family harmony always mean settling kids' differences for them?
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