The word unity is used often in the religious world, but what does it really mean? Dictionary.com lists multiple parts to the definition of this word.
1. the state of being one; oneness. 2. a whole or totality as combining all its parts into one. 3. the state or fact of being united or combined into one, as of the parts of a whole; unification. 4. absence of diversity; unvaried or uniform character. 5. oneness of mind, feeling, etc., as among a number of persons; concord, harmony, or agreement. 6. Mathematics. a. the number one; a quantity regarded as one. b. identity. 7. (in literature and art) a relation of all the parts or elements of a work constituting a harmonious whole and producing a single general effect.
Notice the recurring theme of “one.” Also interesting to note, while the Bible is not literature as the world views literature, the Bible is the perfect example of the last definition – “a harmonious whole and producing a single general effect.”
Now that we see what a dictionary says about “unity,” focus for a moment on the word as used in the New Testament. The word “unity” appears in Ephesians 4:13. Romans 12:16 uses the phrase “same mind” to express the concept of unity, which corresponds to the fifth definition from the dictionary. Acts 2:46 also reflects the fifth dictionary definition when the verse has “one accord.” Many other passages, from both the Old and New Testaments, use words or phrases that mean “unity” or “oneness.”
The concept of unity as addressed in the Bible is important. First, the Bible in general calls for unity. Psalm 133:1 states, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” By contrast, recall two verses in Proverbs (21:9, 19) that refer to the sorry condition of living with someone who is contentious and angry. God, speaking to his rebellious people, asks, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3). God expects oneness between Him and those who would follow Him. Paul indicates that the condition of unity among Christians requires effort. “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
Second, while on earth, Jesus called for unity. Read John 17:11, 20-23.
Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are… I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
In these verses, Jesus compares the oneness He shared with the Father to the oneness He wanted among His disciples. Jesus desired unity among the apostles so the world would see a difference and come to understand the love of Jesus in coming to the Earth, sent by the Father. The unity of the disciples with each other and with Jesus shows Christ’s love and His glory. It also confirms Jesus and His disciples have God’s approval.
Third, the apostle Paul called for unity in many of his writings. In 1 Corinthians, Paul confronted the church for its division. Paul condemned this division and called them to be one (1:10). As already noted, Paul told the Ephesians (4:3) that they should strive to keep unity in the church. As Paul closed his second epistle to the church at Corinth, he stated, “Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11). In these last two passages, Paul connected unity and peace as something Christians should make every effort to attain. Christians today need to practice unity.
Christian unity should be practiced in multiple arenas. First, unity begins at home, in the local congregation. As noted above, Paul commanded unity in the church at Corinth. In Philippians 4:2, Paul begged two sisters in Christ “to be of the same mind.” Whatever the problem was, it was significant enough that Paul had heard about it and called these two ladies by name in his epistle. Members of a congregation demonstrate unity when they obey the elders as God instructed (Hebrews 13:17). The image of body parts working together illustrates the unity of the members of a local congregation (Ephesians 4:11-16) and reflects dictionary definition two. Christians in a congregation must work together to accomplish their God-given mission (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16).
In addition to showing unity within a congregation, area congregations must show unity. The churches in the region of Galatia received one epistle from the apostle Paul. As each congregation read the letter, it passed the letter to the next congregation. Paul expected the churches in Galatia to cooperate. Further, congregations worldwide cooperated with each other in the New Testament, providing a model for the church today. The church at Rome collected funds for poor Christians in Jerusalem (Romans 15:26). Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 13-21; 11:8-9 about his efforts to collect funds from various congregations and distribute those funds to Christians in need. This sharing of resources promoted unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians and helped to quell prejudice. It allowed Christians from all walks of life to demonstrate acceptance of “you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28; note also dictionary definition four). Christians must show unity locally, regionally and worldwide.
Humans struggle to find unity. However, the Bible does not just require it of Christians, it tells Christians how to obtain unity. Summarized, the concepts of humility and agape love as described in 1 Corinthians 13 help develop unity. Philippians 2:1-4 provides valuable insight.
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Verse two depicts harmony, a unity in mind and purpose. Verse three shows an absence of selfishness and an attitude of working to benefit others before self. Verse four indicates one should diligently look for ways to help others and follow through with that help. Verses 5-9 provide Jesus as the perfect example of these qualities. Paul specifically stated in Philippians 3:15-17 that Christians should follow the pattern of Paul and other mature Christians in these matters. Romans 12:18 instructs Christians to live in peace with others, and as already noted, Paul connected peace and unity (2 Corinthians 13:11).
Unity is not just important, it is imperative for the Christian. Jesus pled for it. Paul condemned division and told us how to obtain unity – with humbleness, patience and endurance, combined with love (Ephesians 4:1-3).
