125th Anniversary Devotional ~ Sunday, October 12
John 17:23 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.

Reflection:
Henri Nouwen once wrote,
“This internalizing of openness to God and concern for neighbors is what it means to be a Christian, rather than simply act like one. That the church can produce this kind of person is a persuasive recommendation for the church. Within the fellowship of the church, we help one another become such Christians. Here we can become comrades of our better selves. We support one another in our highest resolves. An entire searching congregation turns our attention to the liberation of unrealized possibilities as we respond to the upward call of God. Even one other person or a small subgroup within the church can sustain our determination to spend more time at devotions and to act differently in society.”

Questions for reflection:
In your experience, has seeking to be one with others (bound together as the church) helped or hindered your ability to demonstrate love in the world? What are examples of decisions to love that made a difference in your life? In the church?