Christian unity is a beautiful thing. It is wonderful seeing brethren getting along and enjoying one another’s company. That from the heart they truly love each other as Jesus commanded (Jn.13:34-35; 1 Jn.3:11-18; 4:21). “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Ps.133:1). Unity is not only good but needed. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). We should ask, how can we do the work of the Lord together if we are not unified? We need unity in all our relationships and agreement in all our efforts of work and service. Without Christian unity we will fail the tasks of the Lord which are encumbered upon us all. Unity is necessary but does not come naturally. No, it takes the heart, mind, and determination of every Christian to have unity among us.
Jesus prayed for unity among Christians. “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (Jn.17:20-21). Therefore, it is something we must all work for (1 Cor.1:10; 12:25; Eph.4:3; Phil.3:16).
Often, the culprit working against our unity is the slights, hurts, and offenses committed in our relationships which are usually unintentional. Someone says something or does something offensive and it divides us as brethren. However, we all have the obligation of making things right and repairing our unity whenever it happens. We must come together and be of the same mind (Phil.4:2). We should have an honest conversation about what has divided us and make amends, so we may be reconciled once again (Mt.5:23-24; 18:15,21-22). Our deep love for God and love for each other will guide us in humility to oneness and unity. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph.4:32).
