And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭20‬-‭21‬
[Jesus speaking]
My prayer is not for them [his disciples] alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.‭‭
Psalms‬ ‭133‬:‭1‬
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

I think of my Kiwanis Club today and the good work they do to help children and youth in the valley. I joined this club many years ago. And there have been members that have come and gone, but a couple dozen of us have committed to it and show up and help as much as we can.

It is a small sacrifice every week of about two hours, and then on projects, a little more time. But together, we encourage each other, help each other, and accomplish a multiplied amount. And this is without a common bond of God’s Spirit in all of our hearts. Some have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and others have not.

How much more should we, as Christ-followers, unite to love on others in an incredible way! We have the compelling force of God’s Spirit, that stirs us and gives us strength and encouragement. We have a spiritual calling to go and make disciples and to do good. So we get to unite. We get to come together, even if it is not always easy. It is God’s will.

It is all a matter of perspective. We are called to come together, put aside our selfish differences and pride, surrender our own personal desires to God, and love each other in community. And we are to surge in doing this as the Day of Christ approaches. Another way to look at this is every day is a day closer to Christ’s return. So every day I should 1) grow in my love for my brothers and sisters in Christ, 2) learn to love them in deeper and more meaningful ways, and 3) join them in the work God has put on their hearts.

The unique thing about the Trinity (God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit) is that they are also one. They are united! And they model the unity we are to have with each other.

Lord, unite us as brothers & sisters in Christ in a stronger and more powerful way. Help me to humbly look for ways to connect and encourage those around me as they grow and develop in you. And grow me in your grace and love — may I reflect it to others as you desire.