Love Evidence



Joh 17:21  The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind-- Just as you, Father, are in 

me and I in you, So they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe 

that you, in fact, sent me. 

Joh 17:22  The same glory you gave me, I gave them, So they'll be as unified and together as we 

are-- 


	From the time we are born into the world there is this great drive for self-

preservation and, as any personal need arises, there is naturally a habit formed of insuring 

that it is met. As there is growth this pattern develops into a willingness to do whatever it 

takes to acquire the things that will please and to avoid all the things that might bring 

discomfort. While a certain amount of independence may be healthy, a life given to self 

interest alone, no matter how successful, will never know the fulfillment of a completed 

potential. As long as the motive is for self-fulfillment and preservation, even successful 

relationships and acts of benevolence will only bear the fruit of their ill-formed intent. 

	There is much more meaningful fruit to bear, however, in becoming an answer to the 

prayer Jesus prayed in this passage. His purpose in ministry to His disciples and all that 

they would influence was first and foremost unity. For Him this would be the evidence that 

would in fact prove that He was the Sent of God. More than any other fulfilled promise that 

He would provide in redemption, singleness of heart and mind for all that would follow Him 

was the goal and prize. Though He would naturally provide for all the material and physical 

needs they would have, it would be in transforming them from self-centered beings to those 

who were concerned with the needs of others that He would set them apart from the world. 

Their purpose in being transformed by His glory was much greater than the pleasure they 

might receive. In this transformation would be the reforming of heart motives in a way that 


could only be ascribed to the touch of the Creator. In losing the old heart of selfish intent 

there would be the finding of a heart of love that would be the evidence to the world that He 

is real. 

	As we have become one with our Father and are continually transformed in His spirit 

of unity, we will provide the greatest evidence, not necessarily in our possessions or physical 

presentations, but in the love that is shed abroad in our hearts. As His glory is clearly seen 

love's binding will take place, not just between us an our Father, but between one another. 


2/18/04