Biblical Answer

The Power of Unity: Uplifting Words in a Divided World

In a world where conflicting values often lead to division and conflict, prioritizing unity over division is a crucial aspect of living out our Christian values. As the Bible reminds us, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-6). This unity is not just a human achievement, but a divine reality that resides in the Spirit shared by the community (1 Corinthians 12:13). When we prioritize unity, we recognize that our words have the power to uplift or tear down, and we strive to use our words to build up and encourage one another.

Tolerance and Truth: Walking the Fine Line

Unity requires tolerance at a relational level, without being indifferent to truth. This means that we must be willing to listen to and understand different perspectives, even when they disagree with our own. At the same time, we must not compromise on the truth of God's Word, which is the foundation of our unity. As Paul writes, "speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect to the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ" (Ephesians 4:15). When we prioritize unity, we seek to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, while also standing firm on the truth of God's Word. This requires a delicate balance between tolerance and truth, but it is a crucial aspect of living out our Christian values in a divided world.

The Goal of Unity: Building Each Other Up

The goal of prioritizing unity is to build each other up, rather than tearing each other down. When we use our words to uplift and encourage one another, we create a positive and supportive community that reflects the love and unity of Christ. As the Bible reminds us, "be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, as in fact God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). When we prioritize unity, we seek to maintain the virtues of humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance, which enable us to work together towards a common goal. By doing so, we become a source of strength and orientation in a turbulent world, and we reflect the love and unity of Christ to a world that desperately needs it.