What Is Christian Unity?
Does everything feel more polarized lately? Political parties are ever more divisive. Conspiracy theories abound. Dinner tables are divided on differing beliefs. Social media platforms seem to intensify already strong opinions. What is the Church called to do amongst such polarization?
The Church is called to be an example of uncommon unity.
Perhaps you read that sentence and laughed. Maybe unity has not characterized churches of your past. Though this reality is all too common, a church can be an example of uncommon unity because we are unified by something greater than ourselves. Unity is not something we craft, it’s something we already have. Those in Christ are already united to one another before a conflict is had or a resolution is found. Saints are unified by the Spirit.
A Biblical Understanding of Unity
To best understand biblical unity, Ephesians 4:1–6 is a great place to start. As Paul pens Ephesians, he is under house arrest on Rome’s authority; his pursuit to build and unify the body of Christ has put him in chains. Even so, Paul’s letter communicates the riches of our relationship with Jesus and how this relationship impacts our lives. In Ephesians, Paul weds theology and practicality, applying the gospel not only to believers’ individual lives, but to families and the corporate church.
Ephesians 4:1–6 is no exception. Here, Paul communicates that just as God is triune in nature (that is, three Persons in one God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), so too the body of believers are one.
The Ephesians are united to one another—not because they all wear a T-shirt with the same church logo on it—but because they are knit together with a bond created by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Paul commands the Ephesians to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.” In other words, we need to live out what’s already true—as siblings in Christ, united in the Spirit, we are equal members of Christ’s body, the Church. Individuals that were once separate are now bound together in the Spirit—living stones that are being built together into one spiritual house (1 Peter 2:2–4).
How We Can Practice Christian Unity
As we seek to live out the unity we’ve been granted by the Spirit, here are three practical ways to practice Christian unity:
1. Remember What Is True
In the hustle and bustle of our lives, it’s easy to forget foundational truths that help us navigate sometimes complex Christian relationships. And so, first and foremost, as elementary as it may seem, we need to remind ourselves of the gospel. What’s true is that Christ “has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13). We are a new creation in Christ Jesus, born again and filled with His Spirit—the same Spirit that unites the saints to continue Christ’s ministry. Remembering that we are brothers and sisters—united as co-heirs with Christ—helps us to view our feelings, our concerns, and our grievances from a gospel-centered perspective.
2. Practice Praying For Brothers and Sisters in Christ
How often do you pray for other believers in the Church? All throughout Paul’s letters, he prays for believers to grow in spiritual maturity so that they may have wisdom to walk as Jesus walked (Ephesians 3:16–21, Colossians 1:3–6, Philippians 1:9–11). Make a practice of praying for believers within your local church, especially those with whom you may disagree. Watch the Spirit soften your heart toward your brothers and sisters and grow your love for the community Christ placed you within.
3. Pursue Humility, Gentleness, Patience, and Love
As Paul describes Christian unity for the Ephesians, he calls them to “walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”
These traits mimic Christ, who is perfectly humble, gentle, patient, and loving. As you seek to partner with the Spirit’s work to unify the church, ask yourself these questions to help you grow in Christlike love for your fellow saints:
- Who am I putting first—myself, or my brother/sister in Christ?
- Are my words communicating gentleness?
- Do I need to ask the Spirit to give me more patience as I seek to love this fellow believer?
- How would Christ love him/her? What’s the most loving action I could take?
Unity is not something we create by our own abilities or strategic plans. It’s not fake smiles on a Sunday morning, nor suppressing important feelings to “keep the peace”—it’s a reality that is true of Christ’s Church no matter the circumstances it faces. Unity is the work of the Spirit. As a Christian today, our job is to acknowledge this truth and allow it to fuel the way we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ. May our hearts be encouraged and joined together in love (Colossians 2:2). May our churches be cities on a hill—examples of unity that draw an unbelieving world to the Reconciler Himself. A united Church honors Jesus, who is worthy of all the glory and honor and praise of His people.
