“That all of them may be one… so that the world may believe.” — John 17:21 (NIV)
Unity in the body of Christ is not a side issue — it is central to God’s heart and mission. While the Church often places heavy emphasis on miracles, prophecy, or deep theology (which all have their place), Scripture reveals that unity is one of the highest expressions of the glory of God.
The word “glory” (Greek: doxa) in Scripture refers to God’s manifested presence, beauty, honor, and excellence. And Jesus made it clear that this glory is shared with His followers for one key reason: so that we may be one.
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I 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.”
Jesus prayed this prayer just before going to the cross. This was not a casual request — it was His deepest desire for His followers, right before His greatest sacrifice.
Unity reflects the very nature of the Trinity. God is one in essence and three in person — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, eternally existing in perfect unity. When believers walk in unity, we mirror the divine relationship of the Godhead.
📖 John 17:21 (NIV)“That 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.”
🧠 Implication: The Church is called to be an image-bearer of the Triune God, expressing that unity not only in belief, but in love, fellowship, and purpose.
Jesus tied evangelism to unity. He said the world would believe that He was sent by the Father because of our oneness — not just our preaching, our miracles, or our music.
📖 John 13:35 (NIV)“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
💡 The early Church grew rapidly not because they had grand buildings or technology, but because of their deep fellowship (Greek: koinonia), shared resources, and visible love for one another.(See Acts 2:42–47.)
Spiritual gifts are important, but unity is greater. Paul reminds the Corinthian church that love and unity matter more than powerful gifts:
📖 1 Corinthians 13:1–2 (NIV)“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love,I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.If I have the gift of prophecy… but do not have love, I am nothing.”
The Church is often tempted to pursue the spectacular while neglecting the essential — but miracles without unity are empty. Jesus said that even false prophets could perform signs (Matthew 7:22–23), but only those who do the will of the Father will enter His Kingdom — and unity is central to that will.
📖 Ephesians 4:3–6 (NIV)“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Unity is not something we create — it’s something we preserve. The Holy Spirit has already made us one in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13); our role is to guard and maintain that unity through humility, forgiveness, and love.
Pray Together, Not Just AloneJesus often prayed with His disciples (Matthew 17:1; Mark 14:33–34). There’s power in corporate prayer.
📖 “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” — Matthew 18:20 (NIV)
Minister in Teams, Not IsolationJesus sent out His disciples two by two (Luke 10:1), and the apostles ministered in teams (Acts 13:2).Isolated ministry often leads to pride or burnout.
Cultivate FellowshipAvoid isolating from fellow believers — love, encourage, and walk closely with those of the same faith.
📖 “Do not give up meeting together… but encourage one another.” — Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
Pursue ReconciliationIf there’s conflict, pursue peace. Jesus said unity is so important that you should leave your gift at the altar to go reconcile with your brother or sister first (Matthew 5:23–24).
“That they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know…” — John 17:23
The glory of God is revealed not only through signs and wonders, but through the oneness of His people. The early Church turned the world upside down not through human strength, but through divine unity.It’s time for the Church to return to that kind of unity — where love is real, relationships are deep, and God is glorified.
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