“Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
- Matthew 6:11-12
I used to love going to airports when I was in college. My teammates, coaches and I would proudly sport our team sweats as we went through security, grabbed coffee and waited for the plane. As a bunch of women all dressed the same we were definitely noticed and we were never alone; we experienced the trip together. I just loved being a part of a team.
As followers of Christ we are a part of the Body, and He is the Head. Translation: We are a part of His everlasting family. Did you ever notice in Scripture that when Jesus was teaching His disciples to pray, all of the pronouns He used were “we,” “us,” and “our”? It’s clear that Jesus modeled and taught that life in Him is a team sport. Another indication is that the Bible also talks about the Church as Jesus’ Bride. Woven throughout the Bible is the theme of God pursuing His Bride to come back to Himself, and for His Bride and Body to be built up together—every “joint and ligament” (Colossians 2:19).
As we grow deeper together with other Christians, we realize that what we have is special, divine and a priceless treasure. Our bond of love and unity reflects that we are Jesus’ followers (John 13:35). When we take time to look at those around us who don’t have this kind of family (teammates, classmates, co-coaches, friends) our hearts should ache and long to love them. Jesus said the commandment that fills all others is to love God and others (Matthew 22:36-40). As we lift each other up and grow together, let us not lose sight of those around us that we can touch as part of His everlasting family.
- Are you living in a Christian community that works to reflect the unity of God’s body? If not, what steps can you take to develop that dynamic?
- Why is teamwork important in the life of a Christian?
- In what key relationships of your daily sports involvement can you intentionally show the love of Christ?
- Matthew 22:36-40
- John 13:31-35
- Colossians 3:12-16