Dedicate them to yourself by means of the truth; your word is truth. I sent them into the world, just as you sent me into the world. And for their sake I dedicate myself to you, in order that they, too, may be truly dedicated to you.
I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message.
In his high priestly prayer, Jesus prays that the apostles and all believers be sanctified in truth. What is this truth? How do we define it? Many churches belief statements claim to solely purvey this truth, but Jesus is not talking about that. His truth is the teachings, healings, commandments of love, unity with the Father, and self-giving example throughout the gospels. Jesus' truth, therefore, is his love for all, self-giving, service, and ultimate sacrifice all the way to the cross.
There is a beautiful show on Netflix called The Kindness Diaries, a show that depicts the love and self-giving present in the common person across the globe. Throughout the show, Leon Logothesis travels the world banking on the kindness of strangers. In watching this show, I am amazed in the everyday kindness of people. With all of the horror presented in the news, which focuses on the destructive capacity of humanity, it is a fresh change of pace to see that our world is still full of loving, self-giving people. These people, whether they know it or not, are living Jesus’ truth: They are giving themselves away to others in love.
Heavenly Father, I pray that we all learn to give away a little of ourselves to the person in front of us so that we, too, can be purveyors of your truth. In Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Have a blessed week!
Stan
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