”While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name. Those whom you gave me I have kept… ” Our Master prays like this in his ’last’ prayer. From this we may learn several things. Joh 17:12.
Jesus lived very close to his disciples and they lived very close to him. So incredibly close that it is often described as ”in” one another! The immediate relationship with Jesus had a strong influence on the disciples essence and character. In his presence it was not difficult to love, be happy, be calm, forgive, have patience and serve others – to be like Him! ”…as he is, so are we in this world”. Of course, it is like this even today for each and everyone of us who confess to be ”in Christ”. 1 Joh 4:17
When the unity between all of us who are believers – all over the world – regardless of denominational affiliation – is growing – it is because we cultivate the nearness to Jesus – so that his being is having a decisive influence on our own character – our way of being human. Let’s – in all humility – watch over the values of one another. We need one another to be kept in his spirit. When we are living in his Name we become one both with him and one another – across all kinds of borders. Joh 17:11
