The atmosphere in our culture has reached a critical, if not powder-keg, stage. Violent protests have become symbolic of the racial divide in America and clear, unabashed examples of the need for racial reconciliation and criminal justice reform.
It is the church—God’s people—who must spearhead the movement and lead the way in racial reconciliation, societal reform and changes in the current criminal justice system. It is only through a unified church and adherence to Jesus’ prayer in John 17 that we will heal the racial divide in this country and prompt justice system officials to bring about the much-needed change in the way they handle volatile situations.
The greatest source of influence over this nation should be the church. We’ve tried to make government another Pharaoh—our source of provision and hope. Consequently, we’ve been kept in bondage by a system we have erroneously put our trust in. We need to get an answer to Jesus’ prayer, and immediately. Father God is looking at us right now. He sees His family, the church. And God wants that family to love their Father so much that they love each other.
LEARN to Encounter Jesus
Take the next few moments to reflect on Christ’s final moments with His disciples. Revisit the emotions that must have filled the upper room. Jesus knows He is only hours from the cross; His time with the disciples is short. He tenderly washes the disciples’ feet in an ultimate gesture of humility and service. He reassures them of the kingdom that awaits them. He reassures them of the Comforter who will come. And then out of this heart of love, Jesus makes a bold declaration. Jesus is about to die a horrible death, so the words He says must be important. His words also have importance because Christ gives a command, and only God gives commandments!
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34).
Christ gives us this same command. The one who humbly sacrificed Himself for you and died a horrific death for you gives a command. Jesus has a heavenly kingdom that awaits you; He gives the Holy Spirit who’s ever present. And now Christ Himself gives a command: Love others as I love you.
Talk to Jesus. Tell Him about your willingness to love others just as He has loved you. Without regard for race or status, tell Jesus that you are willing to yield to His command. Then share your experience with us. #Reconciliation
Jesus, I know that You love me with extravagant love. I am willing to obey Your command and share this love with others so that the world will know You.
To read the full article, order Praying with Jesus.
Reprinted from Awakening America.
Janet Perez Eckles 
Shawn Akers 
Abby Trivett