Attitudes that Promote Unity

Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians has a lot to say about unity found in Christ. God’s plan is to unite all things in heaven and on earth in Christ (Eph. 1:10). Major differences existed among people in the first-century church.  These differences presented obstacles that had to be overcome. Jews and Gentiles had no fellowship with each other; however, they became one body by the cross of Christ (Eph. 2:16).  In the church God brought oneness where there was once separation.  He broke down the middle wall of partition (Eph. 2:14). 

In today’s world, the body of Christ brings together people who are vastly different. People of different races, cultures, and backgrounds make up the church; moreover, even among individuals in the church who share similarities in these, differences still exist in personalities, likes, and dislikes. Yet in all of this, God’s plan is unity in the church.

Notice the unity described in Ephesians 4:4-6: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” The items listed here are tremendously significant points of unity in the body of Christ.  However, the unity God desires and has given in the church is not something that comes without effort. Just prior to this, Paul urged these Christians to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, “with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:2-3).

Lowliness is humility. Pride causes a man to exalt himself.  This will not help unity.  When people exalt men, division occurs. A prime example of this problem was the carnally-minded church at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:10-13; 3:3,4).

Next to lowliness is gentleness. Gentleness is meekness, power under control. Those who are meek are not eager to display their power to others, but rather learn to control themselves so that the greater good may be accomplished.

Longsuffering is also essential to unity. Being patient with our brothers and sisters in Christ will go a long way toward maintaining unity.  Problems among brothers may come because of misunderstanding of the Bible or of each other.  If my brother misunderstands, I should patiently help him to understand. Problems that arise from a brother who genuinely misunderstands are to be handled differently than those that arise from one who deliberately causes division.  Notice the difference between the instructions regarding a weaker brother (1 Cor. 8:11-12) and a factious man (Titus 3:10).

Finally, we must bear with each other in love.  Genuine love is the best cure for a divided body. No wonder the famous chapter on love was written to the aforementioned Corinthian church that was divided over spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 13). 

Let us make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit by having attitudes of humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and love.