(My grandmother, Anna Daisy Siemens, wrote poetry and prose. This devotion was written and published for Devotions for the Deaf in 1994)John 17:22, 23 – I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.When the church was new, the disciples had all things in common. No one lacked because those who had, shared. Some sold their lands to help the needy. Jesus’ prayer for unity was answered. But how long did that last? Satan sowed discord and problems began in the church.God’s people can only live in unity if they love each other (Colossians 3:14 – And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.). Christ is the hub in the wheel of Christianity. Too often his followers crawl to the outside rim with their own ideas. Then strife begins. We must return to the hub of the wheel for smooth rolling in the church.Otis Skinnings reminds us of that fact in his chorus that we sing: “We have joined our spirit with the spirit of God. We are one in the bond of love.Prayer: Lord, help me to love even when I don’t feel like. Help me look for your hand working around me and rejoice in our differences.
