Pentecost Week Nine - Better Together - Day 3

New here?
Read todays scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, click the Bible icon at the bottom, then click Plan.

After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion. Feel free to comment.

Day 3: A Call to Love and Unity

Shorter Today!

When I was in the Marine Corps we talked about unity – A LOT!  But we did not use that word.  We said things like comradery, cohesion, connection, and alignment.  If you did not find yourself fitting into those categories – well – you could not be a Marine.  It was that simple. Interesting,
 
John Wesley felt the same way. People were often removed from the roles for their inability to be in “connection” with others. (Hmmmm, nah!)

Unity isn’t just about being together—it’s about how we treat one another while we’re together. Yesterday, we talked about how fellowship strengthens the body of Christ. Today, we’re focusing on the heart attitudes that make unity possible: humility, patience, and love. Those are traits the Marine Corps does not teach – they are earned!

Let’s be honest—unity can be hard. People are messy, and relationships can be challenging. But Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4 that unity isn’t something that just happens. It’s something we have to work at every day, with God’s help.

It means remembering that everything we have—even our relationships—is a gift from Him. And when we approach others with that same humility, we create space for connection, forgiveness, and understanding.

Love is what holds it all together. It’s what helps us see beyond someone’s flaws or shortcomings. It’s what reminds us that people are more than their worst moments. And patience—well, patience is what gives love the time to grow. Unity doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built brick by brick, moment by moment, as we choose to stick together even when it’s hard.

Unity doesn’t mean we all have to think or act the same. God designed us with unique gifts, perspectives, and personalities. Instead of letting those differences divide us, we can embrace them as a reflection of His creativity. When we do that, we experience the “bond of peace” that Paul talks about—a bond that’s stronger than any disagreement or challenge.

So, what does this look like in everyday life?
It starts with prayer—asking God to soften our hearts and help us love people the way He does. It means reaching out to someone we’ve had tension with, offering a kind word, or simply listening.

AND - drum roll please...... it means letting go of things that don’t matter in the grand scheme of eternity.

Unity isn’t about perfection (well, unless your in the Marine Corps, lol). It’s about loving one another in the middle of our imperfections. When we choose humility, love, and patience, we reflect God’s heart to the world, and that’s a testimony more powerful than words.

Reflect and Respond
Take a moment to think about someone who has shown you love, patience, or humility in a difficult moment. How did it change the way you saw them—or yourself?

Day Three Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to unity. Help us to walk humbly, love deeply, and be patient with one another. Teach us to reflect Your heart in every relationship, creating bonds of peace that glorify You. May our unity draw others to Your love.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.