The way others see us handling the stress and challenges of life
should offer hope and encouragement to those around us. Our
lives should reflect the real and enduring sense of hope, joy, and
peace that only God can instill within us. Jesus said, of
the Church, that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the
world ( Matthew 5: 13-14 ). If we are truly serving God, we
should stand out from the crowd in a very positive way.
Jesus prayed this for His church in the garden of Gethsemane.
"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.
I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one
as we are one. I am in them and you are in me.
May they experience such perfect unity that the world will
know that you sent me and that you love them as you love
me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be
with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory
you gave me because you loved me even before the world
began!" ( John 17: 20-24 NLT )
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