31 DAYS OF UNITY CAMPAIGN

DAY TWENTY-TWO

  • 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

The church, filled with the Spirit and living in mutuality, is sent into the world to join God in the redemption and reconciliation of all things. It is this movement outward in unity, that allows us to participate in God’s healing work and to offer the world a foretaste of the kingdom of God. As we read these passages we are seeking to expand our imagination for how we are called to love and serve the world. In this cultural moment, how does our world most need us to live with sacrificial love? Where is God already working around us? What opportunities exist for us to boldly step out in love to glorify God and bring redemption to the brokenness around us?

As you reflect on the passage for the day, ask yourself these questions:

  • How is the heart of God being revealed in this passage?

  • What vision for the church is the Spirit providing? Is there a metaphor, picture, word, or idea that the Spirit is gifting you?

  • How is God breaking your heart and drawing you into deeper compassion for the world?

  • How can unity change our witness to the beauty of God?


TODAY’S PRAYER

Jesus, you did not come into the world to condemn the world, but to bring salvation. May your light shine brightly through your children, that in our love of one another, the unity of the Church, and our service to the world, all may see your glory and be drawn into life with you. Amen

Commentary: (Re)deem

Video Reflection

Today’s video reflection is from Michael Allen, Co-CEO of Together Chicago.