Devotional
Unity doesn’t come cheaply. In our fractured world, genuine oneness requires sacrifice—setting aside pride, preferences, and sometimes even valid concerns for the sake of relationship. But the greatest price for our unity wasn’t paid by us; it was paid by Jesus. On the cross, Jesus experienced the ultimate division—separation from His Father. The perfect communion that had existed eternally within the Trinity was temporarily broken as Jesus took our sin upon Himself. “Why have you forsaken me?” He cried, experiencing cosmic isolation so that we might be brought together. This is the foundation of our unity: not our ability to agree or compromise, but Christ’s sacrificial love that transcends our differences. When we grasp the magnitude of what Jesus endured to make us one with God and with each other, our petty divisions begin to look shamefully small. In Revelation 22, we glimpse the beautiful result of Christ’s sacrifice—a restored creation where division is healed and unity reigns. The tree of life bears fruit for all nations, and “no longer will there be anything accursed.” This is our destination—perfect communion with God and each other. Until that day comes, we’re called to live as citizens of that coming kingdom, practicing the unity that Christ died to create. This means extending grace to those who differ from us, seeking understanding before judgment, and prioritizing relationship over being right.
Bible Verse
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.” – Revelation 22:1-3
Reflection Question
Considering the price Jesus paid for our unity, what personal preference or position might God be asking you to surrender for the sake of harmony with other believers?
Quote
“And so in his uniting factors, God brings about that unity by taking the divisions upon Himself. And he is divided from His Father, why have you forsaken me? So that we might be brought in and made one.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I’m humbled by the sacrifice You made to bring me into unity with God and with Your people. Forgive me for treating lightly what cost You so dearly. Help me to value unity as You do, and give me the courage to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to maintain the bond of peace with my brothers and sisters. Amen.
