Summary
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 17.22-23
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. | Acts 2.42-47
The Spirit is not just a personal power source, but He is the character of God in each and every believer. This means that the character of God is present in all Christians. As Jesus makes clear in His prayer, the characteristic which should be magnified in believers is love. This is a love that is manifested toward all people, but it is a love that unites the people of God together in a divine way. This means that all of the sinful people that you go to church with share with you in salvation, sanctification, and mission. These are not just other individuals headed in the same direction; these are members of the same body, working in unison with you to glorify God and fulfill His plan for this world. The presence of the Spirit transforms our relationships.
Bible References
- John 17:20 - 26
- Acts 2:42 - 47
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