Biblical Answer

The Importance of Unity in the Church

Unity in the church is crucial because it is a living proof to the world that God the Father has sent his Son Jesus Christ and that the Father loves people even as he loves Jesus. When people see the love and unity that we possess, they will be drawn to the truth of God's love (John 13:35). The Bible emphasizes the importance of unity in the church, and Jesus prayed for the unity of his followers, stating, "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" (John 17:23). The goal of unity is not just a feeling or a sentiment, but a reality that is rooted in the Spirit shared by the community (1 Cor. 12:13).

Tolerance and Truth

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, while still being committed to the truth of God's Word. The Bible teaches us to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), which requires us to work towards unity, even when it's difficult. The pursuit of unity is not about compromising our values or convictions, but about seeking to understand and appreciate the diversity of God's people. As the Bible says, "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" (Eph. 4:4-6).

The Goal of Unity

The goal of unity is not just to achieve a feeling of togetherness, but to reflect the character of God and to demonstrate His love to the world. When we prioritize unity over division, we are saying that we value the relationships and connections we have with one another more than our differences. This requires us to be humble, gentle, patient, and forbearing, as we work towards unity (Eph. 4:2-3). As the Bible says, "We are not divided, all one body we, /One in hope and doctrine, one in charity" (1 Corinthians 1:10). This is a triumphant, joyful song of spiritual warfare by a church that will not be divided and will not be defeated. By prioritizing unity, we can reflect the glory of God and demonstrate His love to the world.