The Bible speaks clearly about unity and its importance to God and to us. Most Christians agree that the Bible tells us to strive for unity in all things. Unity is an essential part of the body of Christ and should not be taken lightly. Unity is a vital part of a Christian’s journey. But what does the Bible say specifically about unity? Let’s take a look at some of the most direct examples of how the Bible mentions unity. In the first book of Corinthians, Paul writes: “Now I plead with you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.” This passage shows us that God desires for all of us to be in agreement and not be divided in our thought and action. The first epistle of Peter states: “Be like-minded, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” This passage calls for unity of purpose and of mind, such as when we are in a group setting, and encourages us to put others above ourselves and think of others before ourselves. Jesus also gave his followers this exhortation: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” This gives us an example of how to view and treat people around us as Jesus does: with a love that is sacrificial, active, and kind. In addition to teaching about collective unity, the Bible also talks about individual unity. James 1:5 reads: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” This passage tells us that we can have unity with God, through prayer and the wisdom we can gain from Him. The last book of the Bible also talks about unity. Revelation 21:3 states: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” This passage reminds us of the unity that comes with knowing and experiencing the presence of God.
Unity is Essential for the Body of Christ
When it comes to physical bodies, we understand that different parts function and work together. The eye receives pictures, the ears receive sound, and the tongue tastes. In the same way, the body of Christ needs different members to function together in unity. Ephesians 4:16 says, ”From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Here we recognize that every member of the body of Christ is necessary and their roles should not be ignored. Jesus emphasizes the need for unity in the body of Christ in John 17:20-23, when he says, ” I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Jesus intercedes for us to be brought to unity so that the world can see the impact of the love we share. The Bible also explains the need for unity by using the analogy of a body. Corinthians 12:12-13 says, ”Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” Paul uses this analogy to show us that we all form one body even though we are all different and have different roles. Unity in the body of Christ is essential if we are to serve God’s purpose and bring glory to His name. When we are united, we are stronger as a family, valuing and uplifting each other, and this has the power to reach the world and show the love of Jesus. By being unified with each other, we are even more committed to serving others and meeting their needs.
Practical Ways to Cultivate God’s Unity
It can be hard to put into practice, but unity is an integral part of the Christian life. There are practical steps that we can take to cultivate this unity, as encouraged by the Bible. First and foremost, prayer is the most important way we can foster unity in the body of Christ. Philippians 4:6-7 says, ”Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we pray, we can come to God with all of our worries and He will give us His peace and help us to foster unity. We can also foster unity in the body of Christ by being patient and kind to one another. Colossians 3:12-13 reads, ”Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This teaches us to be patient and kind to each other, no matter how different our backgrounds and beliefs may be. Fostering unity also requires having humility and putting the needs of others before ourselves. Romans 12:3 says, ”For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Remembering to put away our pride and put others before ourselves is a key part of unity. Finally, we can seek to foster unity by encouraging one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, ”And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” This tells us that we should not neglect gathering together in order to encourage one another and spur each other on toward love and good deeds.
Unity Brings Strength and Beauty
The Bible tells us that unity brings strength and beauty. In the book of Ecclesiastes 4:12 we read, ”Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” This illustrates the strength that comes from unity, and how we are stronger together when we stand united in our faith. The book of Psalms 133:1 states, ”How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Here we see the beauty that comes from coming together to serve God, to build each other up in love and loyalty, and to join in worship and praise. Unity is also a source of joy. In Psalm 133:3 it says, ”It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!” Here we see how joy comes from unity, described as precious oil running down the head and beard to refresh. Furthermore, Jesus promises us a special blessing for pursuing unity. In Matthew 18:19-20, Jesus says, ”Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” This is a beautiful promise that we have that if two believers pursue unity, the Lord will be with them and answer their requests. The Bible tells us that when we come together in unity, we bring strength, beauty, joy, and a special blessing. Let us strive for unity in the body of Christ to bring glory to our Lord.
Demonstrating and Sharing God’s Unity
It’s important to remember that we are not just called to cultivate God’s unity among believers, but also to share it with the world. We do this by being a living sacrifice and demonstrating the unity of the Spirit. Romans 12:1-2 says, ”Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” We show this unity by living out our faith and offering our bodies to God. We can also share the unity of the Spirit by being humble and serving one another. As Galatians 5:13 says, ”You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Rather than thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought, we should put others first and serve one another as Jesus did. We share the unity of the Spirit when we encourage each other. Romans 15:5-6 says, ”May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Here we recognize that by encouraging each other and having the same attitude of mind, we glorify God together. Finally, we demonstrate the unity of the Spirit by understanding and communing with one another. Ephesians 4:2-3 states, ”Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Here we learn that we must be patient, humble, and gentle, making every effort to commune with one another in peace and understanding.
A husband of one wife, father of two beautiful girls, laborer of Lord, Jesus Christ, and a servant to God’s His saints. I hope to encourage you by God’s grace. Thank you for stopping by.
