There’s an old adage that says, “There’s strength in numbers.” There are many times we don’t realize the tremendous magnitude of power in doing things together. But eventually, we all experience a revelation moment when we realize that we could accomplish a whole lot more if only we had a little help. This brings us to the topic of Christian unity. Jesus wants the Church to be one Church – His Church, His Bride. Yet, division, lack of support, and infighting prevail in many Christian circles today. Such actions between the brethren are a slap in the face of Christ who suffered and died for all. We need to be careful before we speak against another brother or his church. We need to think before we speak out at all. There is strength in numbers and there IS power in unity. But if not used properly, that strength can be used to hinder the things of God.

A Bad Example of Unity

We can look back to the time of Noah. Years after the flood, civilizations eventually began to redevelop. But yet again, the people fell back into the sin of idolatry. Mankind seems to have always been susceptible to that particular sin. Perhaps it’s always been due to a lack of faith on our part (always needing to see the objects of our faith). In any case, our example leads us to the kingdom of Babel or Babylon (in modern day Iraq). Genesis, Chapter 11, tells of the people’s unity in language or speech. In their rebellion, they decided to build a tower to reach up to Heaven and to “make themselves a name.” The Lord knew that “as one people,” nothing would be impossible for them to accomplish (in this case, an expression of their rebellion).

A Different Example

Now let’s look at what unity can do in a Godly sense. Paul says in Romans, Chapter 15, that those of us who are strong (or spiritually mature) need to bear the failings of the weak. There should be a unity between us and not a divide. We are to actually carry them along. Not only should we bear with them, but he goes on to say that we should build up and encourage those who need our help. We all know from experience that there are times when even the mature get spiritually weak or rundown. It is during those times that we need to receive the encouragement of our brothers. When we join in unity with fellow Christians we can carry them when they are weak, and they can carry us when we need help. Paul describes this as a “spirit of unity” among those who follow Jesus Christ. What is the result of this? Verse 6 says that with this unity, we glorify the Father in Heaven.

But the most important reason that we need to be united with our brethren is because it is the desire of Christ. Look at what Jesus said in John 17:20–23:

²⁰“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²²I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—²³I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
~ John 17:20–23 (NIV)

Jesus prays that we (His people) would be one just as He and the Father are One. That is His desire. The NIV study notes on this passage tell us that the inference of this passage in the Greek language is that of a unity that “already is” and does not have to “be achieved.” He wishes that we continually be one body in Him. So, you may ask, “How on earth can believers be in each other?” The answer lies in doing what He describes, namely, bearing each other’s burdens, praying for each other, and feeling compassion for our brother’s needs. Note the dramatic goal of all this unity as told in Verse 23, So that the whole world will know!” That is the goal… People constantly see what we do and how we act with each other. The unity of believers should have a positive effect on the world that is looking on.

One Last Point

The scriptures in 2 Corinthians 5:15 make an amazing claim when it states that Christ “died for all…” That means He died for you and I, but it also means that He died for those who are still in sin, for those who don’t worship like we do, for those who don’t donate money to the church, for those who had their children before they were married, for those who don’t wear fancy jewelry, and even for those who get tattoos all over their bodies. He died for all, each one, everyone. Most of them just don’t know it – yet. They all need to become aware of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. And one of the most effective ways for them to see it is through the unity and care of those who bear His name – the Christians.