Unity in Faith: Embracing Our Shared Journey

Devotional

Day 1: Faith as a Shared Journey, Not a Solo Pursuit

Faith is not meant to be an isolated endeavor but a collective experience, where believers support and uplift one another in their walk with God. The disciples’ urgent plea, “Increase our faith,” was not just for themselves but for the whole community, reminding us that we are called to journey together, especially when the path is difficult and forgiveness feels impossible. In a world marked by division and struggle, the church is invited to unite in seeking a deeper, more resilient faith that transcends boundaries and brings people together as one body in Christ. [04:44]

Luke 17:5-6 (ESV)
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

Reflection: Who in your church community can you intentionally encourage or pray for this week, so that together you may grow in faith rather than journeying alone?

Day 2: The Power of Even the Smallest Faith

Jesus teaches that even faith as small as a mustard seed holds the power to bring about remarkable change, challenging the notion that only great or unshakeable faith is valuable. The image of the tiny mustard seed and the deeply rooted mulberry tree illustrates that God can work through what seems insignificant or inadequate, and that the smallest trust in Him is enough to move obstacles that appear immovable. Rather than waiting for perfect faith, believers are called to trust and act with the faith they already possess, knowing that God honors and multiplies even the smallest beginnings. [09:15]

Matthew 17:20 (ESV)
He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel your faith is too small—how can you take a step of trust in that area today, believing God can use even your mustard seed of faith?

Day 3: Unity in Diversity at Christ’s Table

Despite differences in tradition, language, and practice, Christians around the world are united in Christ as they gather at His table, celebrating their shared faith and the grace that binds them together. The diversity of communion practices—different breads, cups, and settings—serves as a powerful reminder that unity is found not in uniformity, but in the common confession of Jesus as Lord and Savior. This unity is a living witness to the world that, through Christ, barriers are broken down and all are welcomed to the feast of grace. [02:23]

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV)
The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

Reflection: How can you celebrate and honor the differences among believers in your community this week, while focusing on the unity you share in Christ?

Day 4: God Welcomes Our Doubts and Weariness

God invites each person to come to His table just as they are—bringing doubts, hopes, grief, and even a faith that feels small or fragile. The invitation is not reserved for the strong or the certain, but for all who are willing to come and be nourished by Christ’s presence and grace. In this space, God meets us in our vulnerability, reminding us that Christ is enough and that our faith, however faint, is already growing in Him. [11:23]

Isaiah 42:3 (ESV)
A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.

Reflection: What doubts, weariness, or burdens are you carrying today that you can honestly bring before God, trusting that He welcomes you as you are?

Day 5: Growing Together as a Witness to the World

Just as one seed cannot fill a whole field, the fullness of God’s kingdom is revealed when believers’ small seeds of faith grow and intertwine, forming a mighty tree of witness across nations and cultures. The collective faith of the global church becomes a living sign that God is still at work, calling each person to contribute their unique part to the flourishing of the whole. As we gather and grow together, our unity and shared witness become a testimony to God’s ongoing presence and power in the world. [11:23]

Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV)
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Reflection: What is one way you can contribute your “seed” of faith to the wider church this week, helping it to grow as a witness to God’s love in your community or beyond?

Sermon Summary

Today, as we gather for Harvest Sunday and World Communion Sunday, we are reminded of the profound unity that binds Christians across the globe. Despite our many differences—denominations, languages, traditions, and even the way we share bread and wine—we are one body in Christ. This unity is not found in uniformity, but in our shared faith in Jesus, who lived, died, and rose again for all. We come together, not as isolated individuals, but as a family, yearning to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, even as we recognize how often we fall short.

The disciples’ urgent plea, “Increase our faith,” echoes through the ages. It is not a solitary cry, but a collective one, born out of the realization that the call to forgive and to love is far greater than our own strength. They do not ask for more skills or courage, but for faith—faith to trust God’s power, to live with mercy, and to forgive when it seems impossible. This is the voice the church must find today, in a world marked by division and struggle. We are called to a faith that crosses boundaries, welcomes the stranger, and trusts in God’s grace.

Yet, Jesus’ response is both challenging and liberating. He does not offer a formula or a set of spiritual exercises. Instead, he points to the mustard seed—a tiny, seemingly insignificant thing—and says that even faith as small as this can move the unmovable. There is a rebuke in his words, a reminder that we already possess what we need, even if it feels inadequate. The power of faith is not in its size, but in its presence. God does not demand an unshakeable, monumental faith; he asks only for the smallest seed, trusting that he will nurture and grow it.

As we come to the Lord’s table, we are invited to bring whatever faith we have—no matter how small, weary, or uncertain. We come with our doubts and our hopes, our grief and our wonder, knowing that Christ is enough. Together, our mustard seeds of faith intertwine, forming a mighty witness to God’s ongoing work in the world. In this shared feast, we are nourished, strengthened, and reminded that in Christ, our faith is already growing.

Key Takeaways

1. Faith is a Shared Journey, Not a Solo Endeavor The disciples’ plea for increased faith was not an individual request, but a collective one. This highlights that faith is meant to be nurtured and strengthened within community. We are called to support one another, recognizing that our spiritual growth is deeply intertwined with the lives and prayers of those around us. [04:44]
2. The Call to Forgive Exposes Our Need for God’s Strength Jesus’ command to forgive repeatedly reveals the limits of our own capacity. The disciples’ response—asking for more faith—shows that true forgiveness is not possible by willpower alone. It is only through trusting in God’s mercy and grace that we can extend forgiveness, even when it feels impossible. [05:42]
3. Unity in Christ Transcends All Differences On World Communion Sunday, Christians of every background gather at the same table, despite differences in tradition, language, and practice. This unity is not about erasing diversity, but about finding our common ground in Christ. Our shared faith is a powerful witness to the world that God’s love knows no boundaries. [02:23]
4. God Works Through Even the Smallest Faith Jesus’ use of the mustard seed illustrates that the effectiveness of faith is not measured by its size, but by its presence. Even a tiny, fragile faith can accomplish what seems impossible when placed in God’s hands. We are invited to trust that God can use what little we have to bring about transformation. [09:15]
5. The Table of the Lord is a Place of Invitation and Nourishment We are invited to come to Christ’s table just as we are—with doubts, hopes, weariness, and wonder. The act of communion is not a reward for the strong, but nourishment for the weak and weary. In this shared meal, Christ meets us, strengthens our faith, and reminds us that together, we are part of something far greater than ourselves.

** [11:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:42] - Opening Prayer
[01:18] - The Meaning of World Communion Sunday
[02:23] - Diversity in Worship and Unity in Christ
[03:05] - Our Common Struggle to Love God Fully
[03:50] - The Disciples’ Urgent Plea for Faith
[04:44] - Faith as a Shared Experience
[05:42] - The Challenge of Forgiveness
[06:12] - The Church’s Call for Greater Faith
[06:54] - Faith that Crosses Boundaries
[07:40] - Jesus’ Response: The Mustard Seed
[08:38] - The Rebuke and Promise in Jesus’ Words
[09:15] - The Power of Small Faith
[10:18] - The Global Table of Christ
[11:23] - Invitation to the Table
[12:25] - Closing and Hymn

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 17:5-6 (ESV) — > The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

Matthew 22:37 (ESV) — > And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

Observation Questions

What was the disciples’ request to Jesus, and how did he respond? ([03:50])
According to the sermon, what are some of the different ways Christians around the world celebrate communion? ([02:23])
What does Jesus use as an example to describe the kind of faith he is talking about? ([07:40])
How does the sermon describe the unity of Christians on World Communion Sunday, despite differences? ([02:23])

Interpretation Questions

Why do the disciples ask for more faith instead of more skills or courage, especially after Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness? ([05:42])
What does Jesus’ response about the mustard seed suggest about the kind of faith God values? ([07:40])
How does the idea of faith as a “shared journey” challenge the way people often think about their spiritual lives? ([04:44])
In what ways does coming to the Lord’s table together help us experience God’s grace and unity? ([11:23])

Application Questions

The disciples’ plea for more faith was a group request, not just an individual one. Who in your life helps you grow in faith, and how can you support someone else’s faith journey this week? ([04:44])
Jesus calls us to forgive again and again, which can feel impossible. Is there someone you struggle to forgive? What would it look like to ask God for faith to take a step toward forgiveness? ([05:42])
The sermon says that even a tiny, fragile faith can be powerful in God’s hands. When have you felt like your faith was “small,” and how did God use it anyway? ([09:15])
On World Communion Sunday, Christians of all backgrounds gather at the same table. Are there differences (in background, tradition, or opinion) that make it hard for you to feel united with other believers? How might you take a step toward unity this week? ([02:23])
The Lord’s table is described as a place of invitation and nourishment, not a reward for the strong. What doubts, weariness, or hopes do you bring with you today? How can you let Christ meet you in those places? ([11:23])
The sermon mentions that our “mustard seeds of faith intertwine” to form a mighty witness. What is one way your small act of faith could encourage or impact someone else in your church or community this week? ([10:18])
Jesus’ words carry both a challenge and a promise. Is there an area of your life where you sense God is inviting you to trust him with even a small step of faith? What might that step look like? ([08:38])

Sermon Clips

And with all of these differences in our denominations and how we worship and what we do, we celebrate together in our unity found in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our Savior. Because we all believe in Jesus Christ, who lived and died and rose again for each of us. And yet how we demonstrate our faith, slightly different. But wherever you find those believing in Christ, you find people who yearn to love the Lord our God with all of our hearts, with all of our souls and with all of our mind. And you also find that each of us know that we often fall short of that command. [00:02:44] (53 seconds) #FaithInDiversity

The exclamation mark isn't used in the original Greek, but it emphasizes the mood of the verb being used, indicating the disciples request to Jesus is more than just a statement. It's an urgent, emotional, heartfelt demand. Increase our faith expresses a collective plea, not from a single person, but from all of the disciples. They aren't asking for themselves alone, but for one another. Because faith isn't a solo journey, but a shared experience we can easily forget. [00:03:56] (49 seconds) #SharedFaithJourney

The disciples had just heard previously in the Gospel how Jesus had told them that they were to forgive others not once, not twice, but again and again and again and again and again. And as they heard the words of Jesus, the enormity of the call must have hit them as they realized just how hard the future was to be. And so they call out, lord, increase our faith. They can't do it alone. They need more than they currently have. But they don't ask for more skills or for more courage or for more understanding. They ask for more faith. Faith to trust in God's power, Faith to live with mercy, faith to forgive even when it feels impossible. And they ask for it together. [00:05:04] (66 seconds) #FaithToForgive

This needs to be, I believe, the voice of the church today. In a world where divisions are the norm and not the exception, in a world rife with problems and struggles, in a church globally and nationally and locally, where we struggle with our own problems, we recognize how easily we lose sight of one another. We struggle to forgive, we struggle to welcome. We struggle to trust. And so the global church, from every corner of the earth, joins in one. Lord, increase our faith. Faith that is big enough to cross boundaries and borders, Faith that is deep enough to trust God's grace. Faith that is wide enough to welcome and include the stranger. [00:06:12] (57 seconds) #FaithThatUnites

And so this morning, as we come to the Lord's table in a moment, we come not as individuals seeking a private moment with God. We come as a people, a body, a family of faith. We come with one voice, asking Christ to do what only he can do, which is to strengthen our faith together. [00:07:10] (24 seconds) #StrengthenFaithTogether

But you notice how Jesus responds to this request. He doesn't give them some magic formula, nor does he give them a prayer or a list of spiritual exercises which they can try instead. Jesus says, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it will would obey you. In other words, you need to trust the faith you already have. [00:07:36] (43 seconds) #TrustTheFaithYouHave

The image of the mustard seed would have been well known and well understood by the disciples. It would have been to picture the small, tiny, insignificant seed which when it grows, becomes something powerful and strong. Likewise, they would have been familiar with the mulberry tree with its extraordinary deep root systems and its hard wood, making it almost impossible in those days to uproot or harvest. Yet Jesus says that even with the smallest of faith, it can be moved. [00:09:02] (37 seconds) #FaithSpeaksChange

And the reality is today that we can lift up our eyes and our arms to heavens and say, lord, increase our faith. But we already have it, if we realize it may not always be huge. But God doesn't ask us to have a faith that is unmovable. All he asks for is that we have the smallest amount of faith. [00:10:04] (26 seconds) #GrowingFaithTogether

``So today, on this communion Sunday, as we join with our Christian family across the world, we gather around the same table, Christ's table. And it's a reminder that just as one seed cannot fill a whole field, one believer cannot bear the fullness of the kingdom. But as our mustard seeds of faith grow together, from Scotland to South Sudan, from Brazil to Bethlehem, the they intertwine into a great and mighty tree of witness, a living sign that God is still at work in the world. [00:10:32] (44 seconds) #FeastAndGrowFaith

So today we are invited. We're invited to find that seed of faith that lies in each of us. We're invited to come and feast at the table of the Lord, to be nourished, to be watered, to be given all that we need. We're invited to come with our doubts, with our hopes, with our weariness, our grief and our wonder. We're invited to come with the face that we have, even if it feels small and ready to be extinguished. Because Christ is enough. And in him our faith is already growing to open our hearts. Come and feast. [00:11:16] (73 seconds)

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