Biblical Answer

The Importance of Unity in the Church

As Christians, we are called to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3). This unity is a source of strength and orientation as we face the challenges of life in a turbulent world. In the Bible, we are reminded that the unity of the church is a given fact, and that there is no room for a variety of denominations in one place. In fact, the Bible teaches that there is only one true church, which is the Catholic Church (Eph. 4:4-6).

Prioritizing Unity over Division

So, how do we prioritize unity over division? The answer lies in our pursuit of unity, which works to maintain the unity we possess. This pursuit is rooted in the Spirit shared by the community (1 Cor. 12:13). When we prioritize unity, we are not indifferent to truth, but rather, we are tolerant of diversity and seek to hold it together with virtues such as humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance. By doing so, we demonstrate our love for one another and our unity through love, which 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 (John 13:34-35).

The Goal of Unity

The goal of unity is not just to avoid division, but to demonstrate our love for one another and for God. When we prioritize unity, we are not just seeking to maintain a superficial peace, but rather, we are seeking to cultivate a deep and abiding love for one another. This love is not just a feeling, but a choice that we make every day. By choosing to prioritize unity over division, we are demonstrating our commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ, who prayed that we would be one, even as he and the Father are one (John 17:21). In doing so, we are not just building up ourselves, but also building up the body of Christ, which is the church (Eph. 4:12).