Unity in Church
Good morning brethren, I would like to write on the topic: “Unity in the Church.” For clarity, unity is one of God’s greatest desires for His Church. As we know, the Church is made up of people from different backgrounds, cultures, opinions, and personalities, yet God calls believers to function as one body. It is important to note that Satan understands the power and importance of unity. Therefore, he constantly seeks to bring division, offense, misunderstanding, jealousy, and strife among believers. When the Church falls into these traps, it becomes weak, ineffective, and powerless. However, when believers walk together in love and harmony, God releases His blessing, power, and glory upon the Church. What Is Unity? Unity is the state of being joined together in purpose, spirit, love, and faith. It is believers living and working together under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” In this teaching, I would like to touch on the importance of unity, the things that can destroy unity, and how believers can preserve unity in the
Church. John 17:21 says, “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You…” Jesus prayed for unity among believers, which shows how important unity is to God. He knew that the strength and witness of the Church would depend on believers loving and standing together. When believers walk in love and harmony, people can clearly see Christ in them because they share the same spirit, purpose, love, and commitment to Him. 1 Corinthians 12:12 says, “For as the body is one and has many members… so also is Christ.” This verse compares the Church to a human body. The eye, hand, leg, and ear all have different functions, yet they work together for the benefit of the whole body. This teaches us that no believer is insignificant in the Church. Every person matters. We need one another. We should not compete with one another, but rather use our different gifts to complement each other. Acts 4:32 says, “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul.” In the early Church, believers worked together, shared resources, prayed together, and supported one another. This kind of unity brought miracles, souls were saved, and the Church grew. There are several things that can easily destroy unity in the Church - Pride, Proverbs 13:10 says, “By pride comes nothing but strife…” We have seen situations where people refuse correction, seek attention, or compete for positions. These attitudes are often rooted in pride. Gossip and slander, Proverbs 16:28 says, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” Gossip damages relationships and creates unnecessary divisions among believers. Jealousy and envy, James 3:16 says, “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” Jealousy creates unhealthy rivalry and competition within the body of Christ. Bitterness destroys relationships and hinders spiritual growth. Ephesians 4:31–32 encourages believers to put away bitterness and forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us. Unity brings many blessings - Psalm 133:3 says, “For there the Lord commanded the blessing…” God releases favour, increase, and blessings where there is unity. Unity also releases spiritual authority, Matthew 18:19 says, “If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them… When believers stand together in unity, the enemy cannot easily defeat them. Unity is also a powerful witness to unbelievers. When people see genuine love among believers, they are drawn to Jesus, unity attracts souls. A wonderful example is found in Acts 2:1, where believers were gathered together in one place and in one accord on the Day of Pentecost. As they prayed together, the Holy Spirit came, revival broke out, and thousands were saved. It is the responsibility of every believer to preserve unity in the Church, we can do this by walking in love. Colossians 3:14 says, “Above all these things put on love…”, practising humility and honouring one another, resolving conflicts quickly. Ephesians 4:26 teaches us not to let anger linger, praying together, because prayer strengthens spiritual bonds among believers and keeping our focus on Christ rather than on personal opinions and preferences. In conclusion, unity is precious in the sight of God, and a united Church is a powerful Church.
Therefore, we must refuse division, offense, gossip, jealousy, and pride. Instead, let us walk in love, forgiveness, humility, and peace. Believers should make every effort to protect the unity of the Church, as instructed in Ephesians 4:3. I pray that the Lord will destroy every work of the enemy against the unity of the Church and fill His people with peace, joy, love, and spiritual strength, in Jesus name. Amen. Service starts at 10:30 am., and the Worker’s meeting begins at 10:00 am. God’s Blessings - Mike