United by the One Who Saved Us

READ: EPHESIANS 1:3-14

We don’t always fully agree with everyone who shares our faith in Jesus Christ. Some people might judge us, and we might fall into judging them too. The decisions that we make don’t always line up with what others think is right, and we are going to see other Christians doing things that we would never do. However, no matter what our differences are, our belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus unites us. And He loves all of us.

We come from different places in life, raised either in a comfortable, happy home environment or in a struggling, tense one—or maybe somewhere in between. We have gone through things that others can’t imagine, and others have gone through things that we can never fully understand. But Jesus has saved all of us—rich and poor, people dealing with issues from the past and people who are fully happy with the way they were raised. Jesus unites us.

When Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected from the dead, He did that for all kinds of people. Anyone who calls on Him will be saved (Romans 10:9-13). His blood unites us with everyone who has seen what He has done and put their trust in Him. • Emily Acker

• When we disagree with other Christians, how could it be helpful to remember that we are all united by Christ?

• One way we can love our brothers and sisters in Christ is by trying to empathize with them and understand them when we disagree. What are some ways you could try to understand the people you disagree with? If you aren’t sure, who are some people who could help you, such as pastors, parents, youth leaders, or friends?

• As Christians, we can demonstrate our unity in Christ through communion, or the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). In communion, we remember the blood and body of Jesus given for us. We remember that we are united to Him and to each other. How can communion help us feel connected even when we disagree?

“For this is my [Jesus’s] blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:28 (CSB)