Grow Through The Gospels - John 16, 17

Read: John 16, 17

John 17:20-23 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

Think

Did you ever experience the thrill of getting those extensive Christmas catalogs in the mail, filled with pages of toys and gadgets to dream about? The first Sears Wish Book emerged in 1933, featuring items like the “Miss Pigtails” doll, battery-powered toy cars, Mickey Mouse watches, and Lionel electric trains. For many decades, they were all part of the holiday magic: Sears, Montgomery Ward, Lands' End, or even Neiman Marcus. These catalogs were more than just shopping guides; they were a glimpse into a world of possibilities.

As Christians, we are like God’s catalogs to the world. Our lives are meant to display what God has to offer. In 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, Paul writes, "You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." When God works in us, we become living examples of the qualities that people may not realize they need until they see the characteristics in us. Jesus prayed for his followers to be united so the world would know that God sent him and loves them just as God loves Jesus (John 17:23). When Christ is alive in us, we demonstrate God’s love tangibly. We cannot create this love ourselves; God is the source, and we are his workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).

Think about what your life is showcasing to others. Just as people once eagerly flipped through those catalogs, others look at your life to see what it means to follow Christ. Are you displaying the fruit of the Spirit, like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)? These are the qualities that draw people to God.

As you go about your daily life, consider how you can display God's love and grace. In Colossians 3:12, Paul encourages us to clothe ourselves "with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Let your actions and words reflect his character. By doing so, you can draw others to the hope and joy found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Remember, you are God's catalog, showcasing his love to a world in need.

Apply

Today, look for opportunities to display the fruit of the Spirit: show kindness, be joyful, act humbly, and respond with patience. Let your actions reflect Jesus.

Pray

Lord, I am open to your transformation. Cultivate in me the fruit of the Spirit so that others will see you flow through me—guide me to opportunities to show compassion and grace. Strengthen my faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.