The Bible has a lot to say about togetherness and unity among God’s people. Here are some of the key themes that emerge in Scripture on this topic:
We are called to be unified in Christ
As Christians, we are all part of the body of Christ and called to unity. Passages like 1 Corinthians 1:10 instruct us: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” Our unity comes from our common identity in Christ.
Unity was Jesus’ desire for the church
In His high priestly prayer in John 17, Jesus prayed for unity among believers: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20-21). Our unity is a testimony to the truth of the gospel.
The early church modeled togetherness
The book of Acts describes the fellowship and common life of the early church: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common” (Acts 2:42-44).
We are members of one body
Paul uses the metaphor of the church as a body in passages like Romans 12:4-5: “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Just as a body works properly when all parts are unified, so the church must work together.
We are called to be like-minded
Unity of purpose, vision, and intentions are key. Paul writes in Philippians 2:2 – “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” God desires us to be unified in how we live out our faith.
We must live in harmony with one another
The early church worked through conflicts to achieve unity. Paul challenges the Romans: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight” (Romans 12:16). Unity requires humility, patience, and peacemaking.
Biblical images of togetherness
Scripture uses images like one flock under one shepherd (John 10:16), a spiritual house built together (1 Peter 2:5), the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14), and being fitted together like a building (Ephesians 2:21-22) to picture unity and togetherness in the church.
Pursuing unity demonstrates Christ-like love
Jesus said people would know we are His disciples by our love for one another (John 13:35). Pursuing unity and togetherness shows Christ’s love: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
Division and disunity grieve the Holy Spirit
Paul cautions the Ephesians that bitterness, rage, anger, slander, and malice grieve the Holy Spirit within us (Ephesians 4:30-32). These destroy unity. We must cast off these works of the flesh and pursue unity.
Jesus unites all believers into one flock
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:14-16)
The Holy Spirit unifies us in Christ
“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 all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
We are united by Christ’s love
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Togetherness requires humility and servanthood
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
We are commanded to live in harmony
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11)
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” (Romans 12:16)
Division grieves the Holy Spirit
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)
We are members of Christ’s body
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:4-5)
“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27)
Biblical metaphors of togetherness
– One flock under one shepherd (John 10:16)
– A spiritual house built together (1 Peter 2:5)
– The fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14)
– Fitted together like a building (Ephesians 2:21-22)
– Members of one body (Romans 12:4-5)
We are called to be of one mind
“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2)
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” (1 Peter 3:8)
Pursuing unity shows Christ’s love
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)
We are called to fellowship and common life
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common.” (Acts 2:42-44)
“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25)
Unity requires resolving conflicts
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” (Matthew 18:15)
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Romans 14:19)
Jesus prayed for the church’s unity
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:20-21)
“Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24)
Key Bible verses
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
“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 all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
(2 Corinthians 13:11)
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
