Sacred Truth: We Are One
Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other ~ John 13:34
On an early morning run a few weeks ago, I paused by the side of a sloping riverbank to admire the rising sun glistening on the water. As I began to reach for my phone to capture the scene, I noticed a cyclist stranded near a leaning willow tree a few feet ahead, flattened tire in hand. Before I could approach him, a runner trodding up the trail stopped and assisted the cyclist. Trying not to be noticed, I crouched against a tree stump sticking out of the earth, and I sat and observed as the two happily engaged with one another.
As an anthropologist, I’m always in awe of how warmly we humans interact when there are no walls, no barriers between us. I thought to myself: just moments before, these men were perfect strangers, and now they may be lifelong friends.
Imagine a world where we see each other, not as distant strangers, but as siblings, as brothers and sisters. Imagine what we could accomplish if we didn’t let fear and biases hinder our progress as humans.
The road to healing our world starts with our willingness and ability to see others through God’s eyes. This is the divine work of each individual on the planet. Seeing one another through the eyes of our Creator would bless us with more positive relationships, change our crumbling perception of the world, and deepen our understanding of God’s love for each of us. Seeing with our spiritual eyes increases our ability to relate to others on a deeper, more meaningful level.
We all share the breath of our eternal Creator (Genesis 2:7).
Sometimes, I like to imagine that we are all connected by a small, invisible thread. This thread may become visible at certain times, specifically when we are most vulnerable or when our human commonalities come to the surface. Times when one heart is mysteriously drawn to another; times when we laugh together, when we mourn together, when we celebrate the birth of a child, or the union of a groom and his bride, and other human milestones. Indeed, we have more in common than we realize.
We’re all interconnected. We belong to each other. We need each other to survive.
I truly believe we were all created to be a community - living, learning, and growing together, just as the disciples of Christ did so long ago (Acts 2), giving glory to our Creator in all we think, say, and do.
This is especially true for the followers of Jesus Christ today.
Before time began, our heavenly Father envisioned a world of pure love and true unity and eternal fellowship for all of His creation. Returning to this divine state of peace and unity should be in the hearts and minds of every human because it is the will of our Father.
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another ~ 1 John 4:11
Unveiling the Truth
Let’s be honest - there are times when nurturing relationships can be challenging. This is old news. For centuries, humanity has been plagued by misunderstandings, conflict, violence, and even war. In our personal day-to-day interactions with others, even with friends and family, it can be difficult to see others through spiritual eyes. Yet, there’s hope.
When you find yourself in these situations, I invite you to take a few moments and sit in stillness. Search your heart for any thorns - things like anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, malice - and give your pain to our heavenly Father. Allow Him to heal your wounds. Let the Lord speak to your heart about how you can help fulfil God’s vision for humanity. Allow God to open your spiritual eyes. Little by little, you’ll see the truth. He will enable you to navigate those times when it becomes challenging to love your neighbor as yourself, as God desires us to do (Matthew 22:39).
Learning from the revelations I received during my own prayer and meditation times, when we truly honor our connection to others, life will begin to blossom and prosper in beautiful ways.
Here are some of the benefits you’ll enjoy when you fully acknowledge and nurture the connection you share with every human soul:
1. This knowledge informs your words and actions towards others.
Armed with the knowledge that we’re all connected and created by the One who formed the entire universe (Genesis 1), changes your perception of the world.
Acknowledging and nurturing your connection to others will enrich your relationships and make everyday interactions flow more smoothly. For starters, you’ll be more careful to taste your words and mull over your actions before sharing them. Since our Father will also reveal to you that your words and actions have consequences, whether good or evil, you’ll be less inclined to share words or actions of strife and contention. Your heart will be more inclined to be kind, loving, and more understanding when your brother or sister stumbles or offends you. And this kindness will be reciprocated.
2. It’s easier to give.
With a deeper understanding of your special connection to others, you’ll think less about yourself and more about the world around you. Your thoughts move from “how can I get my needs met” to “how can I attend to the needs of others” or “how can I help others to thrive in this world”. And in turn, others will start to give to you a thousandfold. The practice of giving - whether it be love, time, money, or resources - will bless your path as you move through life.
You’ll give and share freely with others because you understand that all things belong to God, and He has an infinite supply of everything we all need or desire (Philippians 4:19; James 1:17; 2 Corinthians 9:8-10). God’s ways differ vastly from the ways of the world. In God’s economy, those who give prosper, but those who withhold from others are led into poverty (Proverbs 11:24-25). The willingness to give is a blessing, and giving comes with divine blessings for the giver (Acts 20:35).
And you’ll know that there is plenty to go around; Your heart is not consumed with jealousy and envy. You’re sincerely joyful when our Father blesses your brother or sister with something good. You can freely let your love for others flow, wholeheartedly expecting that our loving Father has plenty of blessings in store for you, too.
3. It’s easier to forgive the faults and mistakes of others.
As humans, we sometimes make mistakes, even very bad choices. When you truly realize that the world is filled with people who make mistakes, and weaknesses and vulnerabilities, it’s easier to avoid the temptation to become resentful and hold anger and unforgiveness toward your brother or sister. And you’ll be more mindful that, as Christ forgave you of your sins, you have to be ready and willing to forgive others (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13).
Conflict and misunderstandings occur, and this is normal. But when you consistently exercise your ability to step outside of the situation and allow the Holy Spirit to take the lead, you enable God’s immediate direction, intervention, and healing in any challenging situation. Indeed, forgiveness takes practice. Choosing the path of forgiveness when conflict arises becomes easier over time. And with the help of the Holy Spirit, it’ll be more than possible for you to conquer this challenging aspect of human life.
4. There’s no room for racism or prejudice.
If you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, you are a pilgrim on this earthly plane – you’re a citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20). Your place in the Kingdom is not only here and now, but you’re preparing for life in our Father’s kingdom, which He has prepared for you, for us all, before the world began (John 18:36, 1 John 2: 1-2).
Here on earth, we are placed in culturally constructed categories – race, gender, ethnicity, religions, creeds – the list goes on. But as Christians, we are ONE. There are no special distinctions or categories. No denominations. All are equal. We are all ONE body, moving and living together in unison, for the glory of God.
If you can see beyond what the world sees and internalize this truth, then it will be easier for you to love others on a higher level.
In God’s kingdom, here on earth and in His future kingdom, there is absolutely no room for racism and prejudice. It is impossible to hate your brother or sister and love God at the same time (1 John 4:20), and anyone with hatred in their heart will never see God and His Kingdom (John 3:15). So, your choice to love or hate has eternal consequences.
5. You are more inclined to share the Gospel out of a deep love for others.
A genuine awareness of others can awaken a deep and lasting love within you.
When you remember that Jesus Christ gave His life for ALL of humanity (John 3:16), you begin to grasp the depth of God’s unending love for His creation. Each person is a cherished treasure of the Most High God. His desire is that no one would be lost, but that everyone could be saved and come to know the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Our heavenly Father’s invitation of love is extended to all people, everywhere.
As you grow in your love for God and spend time in His presence every day, His heart becomes your heart, His desires become your desires. The more you see others through God’s eyes, the more you begin to love them as He loves them. This divine perspective will fill you with compassion and move you to share the good news of the Gospel, because you long for others to experience the same love, forgiveness, and restoration that God has given you.
Sharing the Gospel becomes not just an act of duty or simple obedience, but a joyful labor of love - a reflection of God’s own heart reaching out to the world.
Let Love Shape Your Future.
Allow our heavenly Father to open your spiritual eyes and enlighten the dark corners of your heart so that you can see the world through His eyes, and love with a deep, divine love that only the Creator of all the universe can reveal to you. Be the change.
A prayer to see the world through the eyes of our loving Creator:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your unending love. A love so deep, so patient, and so full of mercy that it reaches every corner of this world. Lord, I confess that too often I see others through my own limited vision, shaped by my own preconceived notions, thoughts, and experiences. But today, I ask You to open my spiritual eyes.
Help me to see people as You see them - precious, valuable, and deeply loved. Let Your compassion fill my heart until it overflows into the way I think, speak, and act. Teach me to look beyond differences, past mistakes, and outward appearances, and to behold the beauty of Your image in every person I meet.
Lord, as I draw nearer to You, shape my heart to mirror Yours. Let Your love transform the way I see the world so that I am moved with genuine care and desire to share the hope of the Gospel. Help me to see my mission not out of duty or fear, but out of pure love for You and the world You so graciously have given us all.
Give me courage to be Your hands and feet, kindness and patience to reflect Your heart, and faith to trust that Your love working through me can change lives.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another ~ 1 John 4:11
Let’s Reflect:
In your quiet moments, do you ever consider, truly consider, the divine connection you have with every human being in the world? Do you reflect on the fact that every person you encounter each day was created in the image of the Most High God?
When you’re out and about do you take time to lovingly observe the people around you? At your local coffee shop? At the gas station? At school? At the office?
Do you take time to pray for the world? Does reflecting on the world around you inspire feelings of love or loathing for other human beings?