Focus 40: part 1

Today marks the beginning of "Focus 40" for the Waters Edge Church and many other churches across the globe. Over the next 40 days leading up to Easter, we are challenging one another to really lean in with a laser-like focus on our pursuit of the will of Jesus Christ for us as a church and as individuals. We have small groups meeting in homes to pray and encourage one another, resources available on fasting, prayer guides, and a 40 day devotional booklet. The elders have produced a "Top Ten" Prayer Priority list specifically for WEC. This post is the first of ten that will highlight those prayer needs. The list doesn't appear in any specific order, but is simply a compilation of what we want to bring into Focus for our church.

#1 -Reconciliation & Unity in the Body
Even good people with good intentions offend others. We sometimes cause heartache even to those we love most. It's what sinful human beings do. Forgiven human-beings, however, recognize the importance of reconciliation and the power of forgiveness. The bible instructs us, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all" (Romans 12:18, ESV). This requires us to be ambassadors of reconciliation and agents of grace.

As we pray for reconciliation & unity in the Body, specifically at WEC, we have to humble ourselves and look inward. We have to ask God to search our innermost being and bring to surface any bitterness or unforgiveness in our hearts toward others. Some of it may have been lying dormant for years, slowly gnawing away at our ability to truly love. Some of us may need to ask for forgiveness. Some may need to extend open arms and forgive others. Regardless....it matters. Here's why.

"if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:15, ESV).

“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).