The scripture for today comes from John 17:9-12 and Ephesians 4: 1-6: " I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on the behalf of the world, but on the behalf of the ones you gave me, because they are yours.....Holy Father protect them n your name that you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one." " I (Paul) beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

The question at death may be not so much what I did or accomplished  for the kingdom but how much did I grow in love!

We do not create authentic Christian community out of good intentions--work, study and intelligence but we create community when we participate with God. In the giving, we receive and in the receiving we can give more--this creates authentic community.

In Christian community God is at the center of all that we do and God continually is drawing us into community---into oneness of Spirit.

Knowledge without love is nothing. Loving is the key to all relationships--with God, others and self.

Love looks for the good in all people. Love is gentle and kind; never rude or resentful. Love is at the center of true Christianity.

Love is willing to wait on God’s timing. Love is willing to trust completely in God. Love knows no bounds.

Spiritual practices help us know and experience the love of God. They draw us into God's friendship. Listening deeply to one another is the key to growing in love--through telling our stories, through sharing, giving and receiving.  Listening deeply grounds us in faith.

Listening deeply to one another in the Spirit of Christ's love is foundational to loving others.

Listening deeply permits each person to be who they are. It brings freedom to the soul.

Listening deeply for and to God, allows for the experience of God.

....and what comes from God has "staying power"....

We all have the gift of unity in Christ Jesus. We are One in Body and One in Spirit.

How will you live out your unity with Christ and others?

How will you listen deeply to God?

Thank you Cherri Johnson, FUMSDRL board member, for today's blog topic!