Trinity Unity
Hannah Branstiter
Senior High Student
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. - 2 Corinthians 13:14
Moving from Illinois at 11 and having no family or friends in Arizona was very difficult. Thankfully I found a community to encourage me to grow in my faith and to help me understand about the Trinity of God. As I walk through the various seasons of life, I have peace knowing that God has given me the generous gift of the Holy Spirit. He is with me. Each day must begin with full surrender and willingness to do what God is calling me to do.
Paul shines light on The Trinity in this verse. He shares with the church in Corinth that they are to put aside conflicts and disagreements and find common ground. This can only be possible when we understand what the Trinity provides – grace, love and fellowship.
This is only possible due to the commonality we share within the Trinity – Jesus, God our Father and our Helper, the Holy Spirit. When you think about The Trinity, what comes to mind? Do you find yourself in awe of God’s goodness and his righteousness? The Trinity is essential in a believer’s life. Our lives should reflect The Trinity and the grace, love and fellowship that are given to us through them. Paul prays that believers will remember to love one another so they are able to share the hope of Christ.
John 3:16 reminds us that God loved the world SO much that he was willing to give up his only son to die for our sins. He sent Jesus to earth to save the lost. To save the souls of those who would put their faith and trust in Him. Paul talks about the Helper he leaves behind. When Jesus descended back into heaven he left his people with the Holy Spirit. Because of the Spirit we are able to have a personal relationship with God. When we think of God and what He has done for us, it should bring us to our knees. Knowing that He sent His only Son to die on a cross for our sins and then left us with a helper causes me to be overwhelmed with gratitude.
Because I am a new creation and set apart, my life should reflect these truths. The life we model should look different from the world’s way. When conflicts arise, the world will tell you to do what makes you feel best. The world says that our personal interest and feelings matter more than anything. But Paul reminds us that because of the common ground we share as believers we must strive for unity.
God desires forgiveness amongst His children therefore we should too. Our time of fellowship should be edifying and uplifting. While this can be difficult to pursue, I am thankful to have the Holy Spirit to help guide me in my relationships with others. Having a community who loves the Lord reminds me that we are fighting the good fight together until He calls us home.
- How have you experienced the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life?
- When conflict occurs, what is your default? Do you find yourself striving for unity and forgiveness?
- Reflect on the Trinity. What does it mean to you? How does it change the way you live your life?
Prayer: God, we come to you with hearts full of praise. We thank you for sending your son to die in our place. We thank you for giving us a helper. Lord, we pray that you would continue to convict us where we need convicting and remove our sinful desires to pursue a life that is glorifying to you even when it is hard. I pray that we can fix our eyes on you and strive for unity.