Unity is a key theme throughout the Bible. God desires for His people to live and work together in harmony, setting aside differences for the sake of furthering His kingdom. Here is an overview of some of the major Biblical teachings on unity:
We Are One Body in Christ
The New Testament frequently refers to the church as the “body of Christ.” Like the human body which has many parts that must work together, the body of Christ is made of many members who each have a role to play (Romans 12:4-5, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). We are united by our common faith in Christ. As Paul says in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Our shared identity in Christ transcends earthly divisions.
Called to Unity, Not Uniformity
The early church dealt with conflicts between Jewish and Gentile believers over issues like circumcision. The apostles affirmed that unity did not require uniformity on disputable matters (Acts 15:1-35). As Paul teaches in Romans 14:1-15:7, we can disagree on secondary issues but still accept one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. Unity in the church does not mean we must all think and act the same way on every issue. It does mean loving one another despite differences of opinion and culture.
Spiritual Gifts Unify the Church
1 Corinthians 12 teaches that the Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts among believers for the common good of the church. No one person possesses all the gifts. We need diversity within the body, with each person contributing their unique abilities. When used properly, spiritual gifts promote unity as believers serve one another.
Maintain Unity through Humility and Gentleness
Paul urges the Ephesians to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” by exercising humility, gentleness, patience, and love (Ephesians 4:1-6). With humility, we consider others’ needs above our own (Philippians 2:1-4). Gentleness or meekness controls our strength and tempers our convictions with wisdom and grace. These virtues help preserve unity in the body of Christ.
Division Comes through Pride and Selfishness
James 4:1-10 indicates that fights and quarrels in the church are often due to pride and selfish desires. When people insist on their own way, division ensues. But God gives grace to the humble. As 1 Peter 5:5-6 explains, “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”
Jesus’ Prayer for Christian Unity
In John 17, Jesus prays for His disciples to be unified just as He and the Father are one. He prays “that they may all be one” and that “the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (John 17:21-23). Our unity is a powerful witness to the truth of the gospel in a divided world.
Unity through the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit unites Christians in fellowship with one another (2 Corinthians 13:14, Philippians 2:1). Ephesians 4:3 instructs believers to be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” As we walk in step with the Spirit, He produces the “fruit” of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our relationships (Galatians 5:22-23).
Unity in Essentials, Liberty in Nonessentials
This famous phrase is attributed to Augustine. It refers to maintaining unity on central doctrines of the faith while allowing for diversity in secondary matters. Philippians 3:15-16 says, “Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” Unity requires agreement on the core truths while allowing liberty on disputable issues.
Striving for the Ideal of Perfected Unity
While perfect unity will only be achieved in eternity, Scripture calls us to actively pursue this ideal now through the Spirit’s empowerment. Ephesians 4:13 envisions growing to reach “unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God.” In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays multiple times that His followers would be perfectly one. Despite our weaknesses, we press on toward greater maturity and unity (Philippians 3:12-16).
Unity Strengthens our Witness to the World
Jesus said the world would know His disciples by their love for one another (John 13:35). When unbelievers see genuine love and unity among Christians, it testifies to the truth and power of the gospel. Our unity also encourages greater faith; when Christians are divided, it weakens our witness and breeds uncertainty (1 Corinthians 14:33). Working in harmony amplifies our voice for Christ.
Avoid Partnerships with Nonbelievers
While called to live at peace with everyone, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 warns against close partnerships between believers and unbelievers. Their opposing worldviews and morals often lead to friction. James 4:4 states that “friendship with the world is enmity with God.” We must maintain clear distinctions between the church and the world. Unity is found in Christ alone.
Pursue Reconciliation to Restore Unity
When divisions occur, Jesus commands us to actively pursue reconciliation with one another (Matthew 18:15-17). God calls us to seek peace and forgive others as He has forgiven us (Colossians 3:12-14). Romans 12:16-18 advises, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” Reconciliation requires humbly initiating and pursuing peace.
Obey God Rather than People
Acts 5:27-29 records the apostles being commanded to stop preaching in Jesus’ name. Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.” While unity is crucial, our ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ. If leaders promote serious doctrinal error or sin, we must stand firm for biblical truth against the tide of compromise (1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 2 Peter 2:1-3).
Avoid Quarrels and Foolish Controversies
Some disputes are foolish and unprofitable, wasting time and breeding dissension (2 Timothy 2:14, 23 Titus 3:9-11). We should avoid foolish controversies that do not build up the body of Christ in love and holiness. As Romans 14 explains, on disputable issues that are not central to the faith, liberty should prevail over legalism. The kingdom of God is not about “food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).
Submit to Godly Leadership
Hebrews 13:17 commands, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.” Godly leaders devote themselves to serving the needs of the body, providing guidance, protection, and care. As we submit to their leadership, it promotes unity and order. Of course, leaders are still under Christ’s authority and must be confronted if acting immorally.
Strive for the Unity Christ Provides
Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, Christ unites believers to Himself and each other. The “bond of peace” He gives surpasses human understanding and effort (Ephesians 4:3, Philippians 4:7). Thankfully, we do not produce unity in our own strength which always fails. The unity described in Scripture comes through abiding in Christ’s love and walking in step with His Spirit, the Spirit of unity (John 15:1-17, Galatians 5:25).
In summary, the Bible provides rich insight into the beauty, challenges, and blessings of unity. God desires His people to work together as one body under Christ’s headship. As we submit to Him, prioritize humility, exercise spiritual gifts, pursue reconciliation, and avoid foolish disputes, we manifest the unity of the Spirit and bring glory to God.
