What does it mean to be a unified church? Well, it is true that we are now living in the most divided period ever, and unity is a theme that seems to be diminishing from what it was during the early church.
Still, the unity of a church is vital for the manifestation of the true and living God. And so the call for unity is a very important value that a church must have. To prove this, here is a collection of Bible verses that speaks to the importance of unity in our churches.
What Does the Bible Say About Unity in the Church?
One of the most important elements in any church is the unity of its members. It is something that Jesus prayed for in John 17 and as seen in Paul’s letter, one that is necessary for the true purpose of the church to come to fruition.
However, in today’s society, this unity seems to be a struggle where most churches are now clouded by worldly influences which in turn affect their growth.
When there is a lack of unity, it opens up doors for the devil to come in and roam the minds of God’s people and break them one by one, just as he did to cause the Fall of man. This disunity also paints a bad picture for unbelievers to see, and a divided church cannot fix a fractured world.
So as a church, we need to understand the importance and power of unity. And to also understand that we are no longer individuals traveling this journey alone, but a holy nation and a royal priesthood. And that it’s only “until we all reach unity in the faith” can the Holy Spirit properly operate within our churches.
Bible Verses on Unity and Humility
1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
This letter written by Paul was for the Christian then and now. “Finally all of you,” all of us are to establish a good relationship with each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. And that even though we are at different places in our walk of faith, we all must do our part in making sure that we create an environment where each one can help one.
Which means members have to be sympathetic, worship on one accord, and that there be no jealousy or deceitfulness, but rather love and lowliness of mind.
Philippians 2:1-4 “1So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
The Apostle Paul shared with the Philippians what it is to have a spirit of unity. He told them to look at the life of Christ and to reflect His character. When the church of God can shine from a place of humility and worship in unison, they hold favor in the eyes of God.
He finds joy when His people are like-minded, considerate of others’ feelings, humble, and selfless.
Ephesians 4:1-5 “1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
These verses paint a picture of Paul’s idea of Christian unity. As members of Christ’s body, we are called to imitate the humility and gentleness that was displayed by Him. Especially in a time like this where the world is upside down and our faith is being tested night and day, we need that extra shoulder to lean on and so each member can be a crutch to the other.
And more importantly as (John 13:35) says “By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another,” because although we might be many we are still one.
Bible Verses on Unity and Togetherness
1 Corinthians 1:10 “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
The world today is separated in more ways than one, and sadly, this truth exists even in the churches today. However, it is evident in the Bible that God is urging His people to possess a spirit of unity.
In the Apostle Paul’s urgent letter to the Christians in Corinth, he was telling them the importance of Christian togetherness. Paul must have seen how divided the churches were in those days.
Maybe there were broken marriages, malice and backbiting among the members, and so forth. And so Paul wrote this letter of reconciliation as a call for togetherness.
Now Paul was not saying there will be no disagreement now and then, and that is especially true given our current society, but he was urging them not to let disagreement cause division, or allow those who are malicious in their own sight to divide the church.
And so Paul is urging Christ-minded people to live in unity because as the Word of God says, it is “Good and pleasant when brothers dwell in unity!”(Psalm 133:1)
Hebrews 10:24-25 “24And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
This verse aims to encourage the family of the Lord God not to neglect their duty of fellowship with other like-minded believers. Just as the early church, we are also required to meet as much as we can together.
And that doesn’t mean it has to be a full group of people, even a few will do for the Bible say “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am among them.” We are also encouraged to build each others’ faith so that we can gracefully carry out our God-given tasks.
And so until that Big Day of the Lord comes, let us draw near to each other while drawing near to God.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “9Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
There is a proverb that says “Shared joy is a double; shared sorrow is half a sorrow.” Simply put, no man is an island and no man should stand alone. The end result of a divided church will only hinder the church’s growth in God.
And so the Word of God is imploring believers to bear each others’ burden, forgive so you may also be forgiven (Colossians 3:13) and to just stand in the gap for each other, for there truly is strength in numbers.
(1 Corinthians 12:26) If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
2 Corinthians 13:11 “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
The Bible told us that as believers, we are all a part of God’s body, brothers and sisters in Christ. And so Paul is telling us to aim for complete unity, in this way the church can live up to its purpose of being a place of refuge.
A place where those who have fallen in their walk of faith can be restored and encouraged. Knowing that we shouldn’t live only for ourselves but rather seek to build each other up as well.
Colossians 3:14 “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
The operative words in this verse are ‘perfect harmony’, so what does this mean? In this verse, Paul wants his readers to understand that for harmony to exist, there must be a peaceful coexistence first in our homes, and more importantly within our churches.
And also a love that is undivided and aids to strengthen the foundation of the church. As Paul summed in up it (Corinthians 12:13), you might come to church every day, sing and shout but without love it’s pointless.
And so love is what binds everything together, in fact Jesus told us that “everyone will know that we are His disciple” when we choose to love each other not because of commonalities, but despite our differences.
Philippians 1:27 “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come anand d see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.”
Paul, here, is calling on the church to live a life worthy of the life and gospel of Christ. This message is also speaking to the importance of the unity of spirit where each member together builds each other up for the faith of the gospel.
Additionally, God is coming back for a church out of a church, which means he is not coming back for the building, but for those who remain rooted and grounded in the Word of God.
James 3:16 “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
Where there is jealousy and selfishness, disorder, division, there can never be unity. Additionally, when the church members have the mentality of ‘every man for themselves, there can be no spiritual growth for the church on a whole.
Here, James is encouraging us not to think like the world because the world is filled with selfish ambition and envy which only creates hurt and chaos. Instead, the church should strive for godly wisdom, seeking unity, peace and togetherness.
Romans 15:5-6 “5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul’s hope for the church in Rome was for them to follow the actions of those who were present on the Day of Pentecost. The Spirit of God was able to pour His Holy Spirit on them because they were on one accord.
And so in order for God to pour out His blessing on the church, the members have to have the same attitude of mind together toward each other.
Romans 14:19 “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
With the whole idea of the church becoming the church that Paul spoke about- its purpose, how its people should worship, and the ministries of its leaders, we can have an idea of what the church is supposed to be like.
Looking at 1 Corinthian 14:26, when believers come together, each one has a hymn, a doctrine, a tongue, a revelation, and an interpretation, which all contribute to the mutual edification of its saints.
Bible Verses for Unity in Diversity
Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
In Paul’s day, Jews and Greeks were like oil and water, two separate cultures, two different beliefs. But as Paul said in the previous verse all who are made new in Christ are one. There is no more this side or that side, but one side.
No more race, or even gender, but believers of a living God. Paul was also telling his readers that even though we live in a multilingual, multicultural world, none of that matters to Christ as long as there is unity between His chosen people.
Ephesians 4:11-13 “11So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
In this passage, the Apostle Paul spoke about spiritual gifts that were given to the church to enable church leaders to carry out God’s will. These gifts of God are similar to the military, where there are different positions such as marines, navy, air force, etcetera, but all being a part of one army.
And so as children in the army of God, we are equipped with different gifts and talents ready to fight the spiritual war. Additionally you may not be able to preach like that one or sing like that one in the choir, that doesn’t mean God sees you as different.
Your gift might be different but we are all a part of His battalion.
Ephesians 2:19-21 “19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.”
During the early days, there were many variations of people due to cultural, ethnic, social, and geographical differences. And even with various denominations, the world is divided even now more than ever.
In these verses, again, Paul was reminding the Jews and Gentiles that even though they had been a separate group of people, enemies even, because of their reconciliation through Christ, they were now one.
All being different, but now had one common denominator and that was their allegiance to Jesus. And as such, we need to realize that we too share Paul’s sentiment.
In our diverse culture today, once we make that move to become faithful members of His household, we are no longer strangers or outsiders but a family in the Kingdom of God.
Romans 12:4-5 “4For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
There is a famous saying that “there is no I in team.” Similar to a football sports team, each member has a specific role, but with one common goal in mind, to win. In the body of Christ there is a diverse set of people, unique in our own way, but all with the same aim of making heaven our home.
And as members of one God, we are an extension of His body where each person has different functions, but all needing each other and working together to serve the body of Christ.
Examples of Unity in the Early Church
Acts 1:14 “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”
One act of unity is praying earnestly together. This was demonstrated by Mary, the mother of Jesus, his brothers, the disciples, and many others who were a part of the early church.
Acts 2:46 “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.”
Another act of unity displayed by the early church was their constant fellowship with each other, sharing meals together with gladness and singleness of heart.
Acts 4:32 “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.”
The picture painted here is that the early church understood the meaning of togetherness. And because they had all things in common, along with their perfect bond of unity, they were able to be there for each other and help whoever was in need, whether that was sharing their possessions, or simply giving of their time.
Conclusion
Dear friends, we hope that these verses have found their way to your hearts and have helped you to understand what it is to have true unity among your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. As the phrase says, “It is all for one and one for all!”
