Peacemaker Ministries Devotional: One Spirit

Scripture

But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. (1 Corinthians 6:17, ESV)

Thoughts

What does it mean to be “joined to the Lord”? What does it mean to be “one spirit with” him? Another translation says, “The man who joins himself to God is one with him in spirit” (Phillips NT). As a result of being so closely united, we become the Lord’s servant. We adhere not only to his ways but to Jesus himself. Because of this intimate relationship with the Lord, Paul encourages the Corinthians to walk in purity:

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” (1 Corinthians 6:15–16, ESV)

How are we one with the Lord? In Jesus’ prayer just before his death, he said to his Father,

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:20–21, ESV)

Application

Are you united with Jesus? Jesus is all about forgiveness. Jesus is all about truth ... and mercy … and compassion ... and hope. Are you united with Jesus in your relationships, displaying qualities that are like the Lord? Are you all about forgiveness? Are you all about patience, grace, kindness, and obedience?

Here is what I am saying: When you believe in Jesus, you are spiritually united with him. Then, as a sincere Christian, it becomes hard for you to say, “I love Jesus, but I want to hold onto bitterness.” You have the same Holy Spirit in you as is in Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, I realize more than ever that I’m united with you, joined to you. Help me to firmly reject resentment and other qualities that are not like you. I want to begin to nurture attitudes like forgiveness and compassion…. Continue praying.