What is the world seeing when they look at the church?

In John 17: 20 & 21, The Lord Jesus prayed that we would be one just as He and the Father are one. He went on to say that this is when the world would believe that the Father had sent Him. That is a very powerful revelation. Our level of unity allows the world to see Jesus in His church! Jesus went to the cross because of HIs love for humanity. 1 John 4:8 says: “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love”. Love is part of God’s DNA. We are the body of Christ, so love is also part of our DNA. This is critically important, especially today where hatred, offense, revenge, uncontrolled anger and division have entered the hearts of many Christians. These actions and mindsets are works of the flesh and not part of God’s DNA, which is love. John 13: 34 & 35 says: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Did you catch that? Everyone will know that we belong to Christ if we have love for one another! This is Christ’s commandment, that we love one another as He has loved us! 1 Thessalonians 4:9 says: “But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.” As we draw near to God and His word, the organic, natural result will be that we will love one another, walk in peace with each other, forgive one another, not hold grudges against one another, be patient with one another. God Himself taught us this through His word and by Jesus’ life and sacrifice on the cross for us all. Check yourself today. Have you allowed today’s news, elections, disagreements and offenses to get you to the point where you are shunning your brother and sister? Are you hurling insults at each other, calling each other names? This does not stem from the DNA of love. It stems from the fallen nature. The world needs to see our love and unity today. That is the only way that they will see Jesus in the Church, and be open to hear God’s loving gospel.

John 17: 20, 21”I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me”