Uniting Believers for a Common Cause

The unity of believers has been elusive in our day for many reasons. Denominations and different schools of theology conflict, along with other causes of division, such as tribes and materialism. In this article, we shall focus on the call to unity, biblical analogies of unity, the reality of current divisions, traits that enhance unity, and things that unite us in Scripture. 

The Call to Unity

In numerous portions of Scripture, believers are called to be united. For example, Psalm 133 speaks of the beauty and pleasure found in brethren living together in harmony. The Psalm shows God’s participation in unity, as he always blesses his people. Without unity, the enemy can find a foothold and bring dissension. Christ, in his high priestly prayer in John 17, prayed that those who believe as a result of his disciples’ preaching may be one as he and the Father are one (John 17:20-23). In addition, Ephesians 4:3 calls believers to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. The emphasis on unity in the scriptures underscores its essential role in the community of believers. 

Biblical Analogies of Unity

To encourage unity among believers, the scriptures have used many analogies to define it.

1. One body with many parts (1 Corinthians 12:12-27): Paul described the Church as one body with many diverse parts that serve specific purposes. All the different parts are interconnected and needed for the body to function as it ought to. The failure of one part leads to the failure of the whole body. Though Christians are diverse, we are to work as one unit, the body of Christ. Every individual has a special purpose; hence, no one can say they are well off without the others. This is why one cannot assert that they left the Church but not God, or that the Church is a scam, as others have opted to do. Your role is to ensure sanity where there is none, as far as it depends on you. You’re able to see what you see because God desires you to address the challenges you see, not run away from them. Why should the hand refuse to support the hurting leg and call the entire body a scam for not working as it should?  
2. A building (Ephesians 2:20-22): The Church has also been described as a building with Christ as the cornerstone. Christians are living stones that build the house of God. While Jesus Christ is the foundation and the stone that holds the house together, believers are very important in the house of God and need to remain united. If we stay united, we can stand the storms of life and any opposition we may face with the strength that comes from Christ, our cornerstone.
3. The analogy of family: The scriptures define believers as brothers and sisters. We have one Father, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:11-13). We join the family of God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. We are all God’s creation, but not all are children of God as we become sons through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:28-4:1). In a family, we may not always get along, but there is always a chance for forgiveness and reconciliation. We stand by each other in all seasons of life, celebrate, and even mourn together. The Bible expects us to consider one another in love so that the world can indeed know that we are truly of God (John 13:34-35, Philippians 2:3). 

The Reality of Division

Unfortunately, despite this resounding call to unity, we remain a divided Church. This division is not just a problem of our time; it has been there since the early Church. There was division between the Jews and the Gentiles, between the Jews and the Samaritans, the rich and the poor, the house of Judah and Israel, etc. The causes of division today include different theological schools, disputes among leaders over power and control, and a lack of understanding of the Church’s purpose: to advance God’s purpose, not personal agenda.   

Traits That Enhance Unity

To foster unity among believers toward a common course, we need to cultivate certain traits in our personal lives. The Bible clearly describes the attitudes we should have toward one another to enhance unity.

1. Humility and Gentleness (Matthew 11:29): Christian humility means assuming the role and mind of a servant, instead of selfishly demanding our rights and insisting on having our way at the expense of others. A gentle attitude translates into a willingness to endure injury without resorting to retaliation or resentment, submitting the matter to God, as Jesus Christ did (1 Peter 2:23). In the event of an offense, apply the steps provided in Matthew 18:15-17.
2. Patience (1 Timothy 1:15-16): It demands understanding and restraint rather than a quick temper and impulsivity. We are called not to rush in reacting to each other but to be considerate. In the same way God showed mercy to us even while we were still sinners, we must extend the same grace to others. Paul acknowledged God’s grace toward him despite how he treated Christians, and such understanding will cause us to be patient and empathetic toward others as well.
3. Bearing with each other in love (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13): This means to endure, tolerate, and to put up with. Always remember that the Holy Spirit dwells in that person who may have wronged you and that God has not finished his work of grace in them, just like he is not yet through with you. You should not endure others with self-pitying martyrdom, but instead act in a self-giving, others-oriented, Christ-like love. 

Seven Things That Unite Us

Paul mentions seven things in Ephesians 4:4-6 that should unite the Church.

1. One Body: We are the body of Christ, and he is the Head of the body. As noted above, we may have many parts that serve different roles, but all serve the same purpose.
2. One Spirit: All of us who believe in Christ have the same Holy Spirit of God dwelling in us. Having the same Spirit of God means a united goal, which should be a unifying factor.
3. One Hope: We all have the same hope of eternal life. We must hold each other accountable until we all unite with Christ at the end. Our enemy is the devil and not each other. The enemy is doing his best to pit us against one another and draw many to his side, but we must be watchful not to give in.
4. One Lord: We are all under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We cannot serve two masters. Our call is to pay allegiance to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ alone.
5. One faith: We all share one faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, since it is by grace that we have been saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8). Our only part is to believe that Christ’s death is sufficient to remove God’s wrath from us.
6. One Baptism: We have all been baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27).
7. One Father: The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is our Father. By the Spirit of God, we call him Abba Father (Romans 8:15). 

Brothers and sisters, let us hence strive to unite in the gospel as we advance God’s Kingdom here on earth.