“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. (John 17:20-23)

The oneness of Jesus’ followers is God’s work and it is glorifying to God. God glorifies himself by uniting his people.

So, last night we all laughed together, nearly wetting ourselves, whilst we watched ‘up’. It’s a fantastic film and I would recommend everyone to see it. Pixar never cease to amaze me. What can you expect from a company set up by the same guy as Apple?

We are one team here in Northallerton. We are one in the same way that Jesus and his father are one. How very apt, since we are here to tell school children the easter story, the great celebration of new life which came from the death of God’s Son. Jesus said that the world will know that his claims are true because his people are united by love.

In other words, God’s power at work in us witnesses to everything Jesus did, said and accomplished.

There is a problem, though, since I struggle to love this team. It’s nothing against these people in particular. It’s just that love is not easy for me. I don’t know if I’m the only one with a short fuse – when it is real effort to maintain patience and peace with those who grate against me. Surly breaking people’s noses is not a tempting thought to you, and you’re always first to get a cup of tea for someone after they had a long day, empathically connecting with them in an instant!

Surly.

I’m pretty rubbish at being loving. So thank God it’s not down to me. Jesus prayed for me, that I might be united by love to my brothers and sisters here. This is not something I have to stress over, but to have faith in the prayer of Christ. Faith in the power of God at work in this place.

What a relief.

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• Dead Words
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