Jesus prays for the unity of his church. He yearns for us to know our oneness in him. But not just so we can be happy and harmonious, enjoying freedom from strife. The unity of the church is essential to the mission of the church. Jesus prays that we “may be perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me.” The world comes to know Jesus as it beholds the oneness of the church. We strive to stay in connection to fellow believers not only for personal peace, but for the sake of the gospel’s effectiveness in the world. Loving each other is an essential part of our mission to the world who does not yet know Christ.

John 17: 20-26