“Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one!” Psalm 133:1 CEB

In college, I was having a conversation with a young woman about faith. When I told her that I believe Jesus is the savior of the world she politely said to me, “well that may be true for you, but it’s not true for me.”

I had to push back, “A statement like Jesus is the savior of the world is either true or not true. You believe there are objective truths that apply to everyone, right?”

“Nope… it’s all relative,” she responded.

I paused before pressing on, “Ok, two plus two equals…”

She shrugged, “Whatever you want it to be.”

Needless to say, that was the end of that conversation.

If humans are going to coexist they need to have at least some shared truths. Objective truth is the basis for any functional relationship. Coworkers need to agree on the mission, vision, and values of their organization. Spouses need to agree on their financial and time-based priorities. Politicians need to agree on— actually, never mind about politicians.

“I’ve given them the glory that you gave me so that they can be one just as we are one.” —John 17:22

Christians share the ultimate Truth, Jesus Christ. Everyone who is connected to the True Vine is simultaneously connected to one another. In a world that manages to be polarized about nearly everything, followers of Jesus can find common ground despite their diverse backgrounds and political ideologies.

So, dear Christian, if you ever find yourself feeling alone, reach out to a fellow believer. We are your sisters and brothers, members of one family who share the same Father thanks to the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Dear God, thank you for giving us the gift of one another. There will be times that we cause one another pain or test one another’s patience, but Jesus settled all such debts at the cross. Help us to forgive one another and embrace one another as parts of a whole. Help us to bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. Let our unity be seen by all the world as evidence pointing to the truth of the gospel, that more would come to believe in your Son and join our blessed family. Amen.