Living Together in Love and Purpose
The Bible offers profound wisdom on the importance of unity, righteousness, and harmony both within the Church and society at large. Proverbs 14:34 reminds us that living according to God’s instructions—righteousness—makes a nation great, but sin brings disgrace to those who commit it. This principle not only applies to nations but also to the body of Christ, emphasizing the need for believers to embody unity to strengthen their witness in the world.
Unity: The Essence of the Church
Unity is not merely a desirable trait for the Church; it is its very essence. Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17:21, asking that they “will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” This prayer highlights the divine blueprint for the Church—a community that reflects the unity between Jesus and the Father.
Unity is also the eternal condition of the Church in heaven, as described in Revelation. The Church is called to be one, united in faith, hope, and love, mirroring the harmony of heaven itself. This unity is not only a matter of biblical obedience but a powerful witness to the world. When non-Christians observe the Church living in harmony, they see confirmation that Christ is indeed the Son of the living God.
One Faith, One Lord, One Baptism
Ephesians 4:1-6 captures the heart of the call to unity. Paul urges believers to lead a life worthy of their calling, marked by humility, gentleness, patience, and love. He writes:
· “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”
· “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.”
· “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.”
This passage is not just an invitation but a command for believers to prioritize unity. It reminds us that the Church is one body, called to reflect the character of its one Lord through Spirit-led harmony.
The Impact of Division
For years, non-Christians have observed the behavior of the Church. When they fail to see the unity of Jesus’ followers, they struggle to see the Church as a credible witness to Christ. Unity validates our faith and equips us to influence a skeptical world. Division and in-fighting, however, undermine our testimony and weaken our collective influence.
Quarreling among ourselves over trivial matters diminishes our effectiveness in spreading the Gospel. When the Church prioritizes personal preferences or factions over the preaching of God’s Word, it loses sight of its mission. The Word of God must return to its central place in Church worship and teaching, serving as the uniting force that brings believers together.
Harmony: A Precious Gift
Psalm 133 beautifully describes the blessing of harmony among believers:
· “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!”
· “For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe.”
· “Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.”
This psalm paints a picture of harmony as both sacred and refreshing. It is a gift that brings the blessings of God’s presence and eternal life. Living in unity is not only a command but a source of joy and renewal for believers.
A Call to Wake Up
The Church faces an urgent need to wake up, assess how far it has drifted from its calling, and begin walking with God in obedience. Unity is not optional—it is the lifeblood of the Church and the key to engaging the culture for Jesus Christ.
The world is watching, seeking authenticity and hope. By living in harmony, the Church can demonstrate the love, power, and truth of the Gospel. It is time to set aside division, recalibrate our focus on the preaching of God’s Word, and live out the unity that Christ prayed for.
Living Out Unity
Living in unity requires intentional effort. Paul’s words in Ephesians remind us to:
· Be humble and gentle.
· Be patient, allowing for each other’s faults out of love.
· Make every effort to stay united in the Spirit, bound by peace.
Unity is not about uniformity; it is about working together despite differences, under the lordship of Christ. It is about prioritizing what unites us—our shared faith, hope, and love—over what divides us.
Conclusion
The unity of faith is a divine calling and a powerful testimony to the world. When the Church embraces harmony, it reflects the character of God and becomes a beacon of hope. Psalm 133 reminds us of the beauty and blessing of living in unity, while Ephesians 4 challenges us to pursue it with humility, gentleness, and love.
Let us answer the call to unity, walking together in obedience to God’s Word and engaging the world with the truth, grace, and love of Jesus Christ. In unity, the Church finds its strength, its purpose, and its witness to a watching world.
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 