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AfterThoughts: May 24, 2026

 

 

May 24, 2026
That They May Be One 
John 17

 

This week, Dr. David Eldridge continued the series from the Gospel of John. In these verses, he expanded on two points: 

  • Christian Unity Is Not Uniformity
  • Christian Unity Always Flows From The Love Of God

GOING DEEPER: 

  • Pastor David explained that Christian unity is not uniformity (John 17:22). In this prayer from John 17, Jesus did not pray for Himself and His coming sacrifice, but He prayed four times that we would be one. This unity is not found in anything we do, but in the supernatural work of God in our lives. This unity is rooted in the unity found in the relationship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity is not a sameness, yet Father, Son, and Spirit exist in perfect love, harmony, and fellowship. We strive for unity in diversity. As you read “The Lord’s Prayer” in John 17, what themes does the Holy Spirit bring to your mind? How does 24/7 access, in the palm of your hand, to every disagreement and division influence unity?
     
  • The body of Christ is about unity, but not uniformity. We don’t all have to vote the same way, think the same way about every cultural issue, or interpret every secondary issue of the Bible the same way. Jesus didn’t pray for cloned disciples. The miracle of the Christian church is not built upon external sameness, but upon shared union with Christ. The miracle is that people who would never belong together are brought together by the Gospel into one family under the authority of our Savior. How have you experienced the beautiful diversity within the body of Christ? How do we sometimes destroy unity when we elevate secondary issues to a primary position?
     
  • Pastor David taught that Christian unity always flows from the love of God (John 17:26). At the center of Christian unity is not more agreement. It is love. It is love not built on chemistry, personality, compatibility, or shared interests. Jesus said the very love that eternally existed between the Father and the Son is now placed within believers. This love is perfect, unbroken, holy love. It is love in action through the power of the Holy Spirit. How can you seek forgiveness from someone you wounded this week? Who do you need to assume the best of this week? To whom do you need to show patience in your home or workplace?
     
  • This love and unity dwell within us only because Jesus dwells within us (Colossians 1:27). When someone wounds us, when preferences differ, when personalities clash, when misunderstandings happen (and they will), when frustrations rise, and when people disappoint us, we are able to choose to show love because the love of God dwells within us. Jesus did not love because we are lovely. He loved us despite our sin. Christians are called to reflect the same kind of love to each other. How is Christian love pushing you toward the person with whom you are not on the same page or do not see eye to eye? How are you depending on Jesus as the “tuning fork” of your life? How can you change your schedule this week to make more time for earnest prayer for unity in your family, in your neighborhood, and in your family of faith? How can you live so that this is true in your life: “That in unity the face of Christ will be clear for all the world to see”?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

  • To view past sermons, please click here.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26

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