Be of One Mind

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude" (1 Peter 3:8).

The night Jesus was arrested, He was pouring out his heart to his Father, and do you know whom He included in his prayers that night? YOU!  Just after praying for his disciples, he prayed for "all who will ever believe in me through their (the disciples') message" (John 17:20). Do you believe in Him? Then that's you. And guess what He prayed then? That we would be ONE.

Jesus was about to face an excruciating death and his prayer was that we be ONE. As we leave behind 2011 and move into 2012, let us be mindful that it is important to Jesus that we put aside petty differences, critical attitudes, judgmental spirits, and be united to one another in love.

Let's remove our masks of righteousness because there is no one without sin. In fact, it is the admission of our struggles and sinfulness that makes Jesus all the more attractive to those around us. It is also what makes us effective in relating to a hurting world. What do we have to offer to others who are hurting and grieving or to those struggling to overcome an addiction or sinful behavior if we go around pretending to have perfect lives? We have received the message of hope. And His name is Jesus Christ!

Heed the call today to be authentic and unified in Him so you can sympathize with others, love the unlovely, be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.