I Believe . . .

Jesus said, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me." John 17:20-21 NLT


On occasion, I've found myself coining a phrase that begins like this, "I truly believe . . . . ."  Sometimes, these words can throw me into a vat of trouble. I can be so sure I'm right that I don't open my mind to even recognize that perhaps more facts and details should be gathered.  This belief, I've confidently expressed, has been based on presumptive understanding rather than truth. 


Each day we are bombarded with presumptive understandings rather than knowing truths.  The media helps form our thoughts each time they report the news. Unbiased news reporting rarely exists. Everything from the words chosen, the depiction of what is or isn't reported, the tone of voice used, and the body language displayed all help us form presumptive understandings. Presidential political candidates face some of the most viscous scrutiny of all.  Regardless of what candidate is loved or hated, I am feel confident in saying that if each of us were granted the opportunity to personally sit down with an individual candidate, we would probably find a person that cares about the country and wants to make a difference. The presidential candidates are rarely as self-serving and arrogant as they are portrayed to be by the media or their opponents. Supporting a candidate is a citizen's right and admirable as well. Understanding the candidate's platform and qualifications are very important in forming knowledgeable voting decisions.  It's okay to not agree or not support a candidate, but "hating" other candidates doesn't have to be part of the equation.


Jesus was scrutinized, despised, and hated by many. Yes, hated.  He knew that regardless of what He said or did, that there would be some that wouldn't want to sit down and get to know Him nor take time to understand the plan He wanted for them. (I can only imagine how the news media would portray him today. I shiver even thinking what we would hear or see.)  As one of His last prayers on this earth, He prayed to the Father that those that truly believed would come together as one to share the Message of God's Love from one generation to the next. The words in this translation were very touching, "I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you."  The greatest Love every known is between the Father and His Son.  That is the type of love He wanted us to have for one another. This is Someone I do believe in!


Let us pray:


Heavenly Father,
The divisions that exist in our world are widespread, and at times seem hopeless to mend.  Help us, one at a time, to get to know each other for who we are rather than who we presume one another to be.  Let us grow in our understandings and beliefs based on learned truths as we turn to you for guidance. 


Amen