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I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one – as you are in me, Father, and I am in you (John 17:20-21; NLT).

1. Only when we want to love you
Can we love our neighbour, too,
Sensing, Lord, that they, and we,
Are one, and all are one in you.

2. Only as we start to love you
Can we love each stranger, too,
Glimpsing, Lord, that they, and we,
Are one, and all are one in you.

3. Only as we learn to love you
Can we love each foreigner,
Seeing, Lord, that they, and we,
Are one, and all are one in you.

4. Only as we grow to love you
Can we love each enemy,
Grasping, Lord, that they, and we
Are one, and all are one in you.

5. Only when we deeply love you
Can we also love ourselves,
Knowing, Lord, that we are one
With all your people, and with you.

References

1. You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind (Luke 10:27; NLT).

Love your neighbour (Luke 10:27; NLT).

2. Love the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:19; NKJV).

3. Show love to foreigners (Deuteronomy 10:19; NLT).

4. Love your enemies! (Matthew 5:44; NLT).

5. Love your neighbour as yourself (Luke 10:27; NLT).

To acquire wisdom is to love oneself (Proverbs 19:8; NLT).

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them (Romans 12:9; NLT).