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HomeWord - Aug. 29, 2006


One Nation, One World 
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit -- just as you were called to one hope when you were called --  one Lord, one faith, one baptism;  one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:2-6    


The 2006 FIFA World Cup hosted hundreds of thousands of fans and their teams from all over the world.  People of all nations, on all continents, tuned into local broadcasts to watch their favorite teams square off in soccer’s biggest competition.  If you watched, you would have seen countless fans wearing their team’s colors and cheering their country through the weeks of play.  Different countries, different languages, brought together for the love of sport.  During an interview, the World Cup organizer said, “I believe this is how God imagines the world should be.”  I think he is right.

 

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul makes a case for unity.  Believers are called to make every effort to be united in their common love – Jesus Christ.  We are to be one in body and fellowship.  We are to be one in spirit, living for the eternal hope we have in the Lord.  We are united by our faith in Christ and by our God – one God – who gives us eternal life through His son Jesus Christ, no matter what denomination to which you belong. 

 

Like any family, we have our issues.  We must understand that no one will ever be perfect.  So we are called to love and accept each other through our faults and weaknesses.  Christians must stand united as a family under one head, Jesus Christ, with the power of the Holy Spirit.  Don’t let yourself be fooled and separated from this family because of minor disparities in doctrine or opinions.  Listen to the wise words of Paul and don’t allow petty differences to remove you from the unity found through the Spirit.      

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GOING DEEPER:

1. In your life, why is it hard to be or feel united with all believers?   

2. What would Jesus have you do in a situation where it was hard to love or accept someone?

FURTHER READING:

Genesis 17:4; Isaiah 42:1; John 17:22-24


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