We Are Called to Be One

Recently, I’ve had conversations with faithful members of our congregation, some who lean politically to the right and others who lean to the left. Interestingly, both groups described with great concern how awful things have become in our country: the anger, the division, the name-calling, even the violence. Yet both were also convinced that the fault lay squarely with “the other side.” What struck me was how each conversation echoed the same lament, but pointed the finger in opposite directions.

In John 17:21–23, Jesus prays for His disciples and for all who will come to believe in Him:

"that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. … Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

Jesus’ prayer was not just for His first disciples, but for us. He knew the human tendency to divide, to build walls instead of bridges, to declare “us” and “them.” Yet in His final hours, His deepest desire was for unity, that the love of God would be so evident among His followers that the world could not miss it.

This unity is not about uniformity of thought or political agreement. It is about a love so strong that it transcends differences. In a time when violent rhetoric is escalating and division feels deeper than ever, we Christians have no greater call than to be agents of reconciliation.

So how do we live this out?

1. Choose Conversation Over Condemnation

When political or cultural topics arise, resist the urge to shout down or label others. Ask questions. Listen deeply. Remember that behind every opinion is a story, a fear, a hope. Listening does not mean agreeing, but it does mean respecting the image of God in the other person.

2. Practice the Discipline of Blessing

It’s easy to curse those who disagree with us, if not with our words, then with our tone or our social media posts. Jesus calls us to bless instead. That means praying for those on the “other side” and seeking their good. Imagine how different our conversations would be if, before speaking, we silently asked: Will this build up or tear down?

3. Model Unity in Small Ways

Unity doesn’t start on a national stage. It begins at the dinner table, at the church potluck, and in community service projects. Sit next to someone you normally wouldn’t. Work together for a cause that matters to all: feeding the hungry, mentoring children, caring for the sick. These shared acts of love can soften hardened lines.

4. Refuse to Participate in Hate-Fueled Rhetoric

We cannot control what politicians, pundits, or even neighbors say, but we can control what comes out of our own mouths. When jokes, slurs, or sweeping accusations are made, we can gently redirect or simply refuse to join in. Silence in the face of hatred can be complicity, but kindness in the face of hatred is a powerful witness.

Jesus’ prayer for us was simple: “that they may be one.” Unity will not happen by accident. It will happen when God’s people decide to take Jesus’ prayer seriously, choosing love over hate, listening over shouting, and blessing over cursing.

In a divided and hurting world, this is not optional. It is our call. And when we live it out, the world will see the love of Christ shining through us.

In God’s grip,

Pastor Chuck Church

Prayer:

Gracious God,

You sent Your Son so that we might be one as You are one. Forgive us when we let fear, pride, and anger divide us. Teach us to listen with patience, to speak with kindness, and to love even when it is difficult. Fill us with Your Spirit so that our lives may be a witness to the unity and peace found in Christ. May the world see Your love in us and be drawn closer to You. In the name of Jesus, who prayed for our oneness, we pray. Amen.