The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Gal. 5:6
Lord Jesus, there are so many things we intensely crave about our coming life in the new heaven and new earth. For starters, “no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Rev. 21:4). But in light of our current culture of vitriol and scorn, rancor and acrimony, we long for the Day when we’ll be made perfect in love—the Day of only awesome relationships.
Finally, and fully, we’ll love each other the way you love us, Jesus. Such a state of relational glory is inconceivable to us. All of our relationships will be perfect, beautiful, and fulfilling—an expression of the life, joy and intimacy you’ve always enjoyed with the Father and Holy Spirit.
We’ll never fail or hurt one another again—no more meanness or madness, badness or bitterness, abuse or misuse. We’ll never have to apologize, forgive and reconcile about anything. We’ll never bore anyone or get bored. We’ll be intrigued with one another forever. No more adultery or murder; no more gossip, only gospel; no more sarcasm or spite, harmful words or contemptuous looks.
There won’t be any misunderstandings, misrepresentations or incomplete conversations. All racism, prejudice and tribalism will be eradicated—replaced with love, honor and the richest community imaginable. There won’t be any insiders or outsiders; no “pecking order” or ordering one another around; no braggadocio or breaking confidences.
Jesus, finally, your church—your beloved Bride, will love the way you love us. No more church splits or spats; no more worship wars or wagging tongues; no more denominational petulance or theological arrogance; no more church shopping or church hopping; no more bickering, backbiting or bitterness. Hasten that Day, Lord.
Until then, Jesus, bring the power of the gospel to bear in extraordinary ways. Grant us greater grief and quicker repentances, over the ways we love poorly. Stun us again and again and again with how much you love us. There’s no other way we’ll change. So very Amen, we pray, with conviction and hope, in your grace-full name.
