Unity in Christianity is often overlooked, yet it is the very thing that carries God’s direct glory. The glory of God is not only about His power or miracles—it is about God being glorified through the lives of His people. When believers are united in Christ, God is magnified in a way that no miraculous display alone can achieve.
John 17:22–23 (ESV) “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
John 17:22–23 (ESV)
“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
Theologically, this passage is central to understanding Christ’s purpose for the Church. Christ prays not merely for the disciples’ well-being but for their unity, reflecting the intimate, perfect union between the Father and the Son. This unity is both spiritual and relational, and it is the context in which God’s glory is revealed to the world.
The first purpose of the glory Christ leaves us is to live in unity—not simply to perform miracles or amazing works. God is glorified more in our unity than in extraordinary acts. A unified Church demonstrates God’s character to the world, making the gospel believable.
When people witness genuine unity among believers, they are drawn to God in a way that signs and wonders alone cannot achieve. In fact, Jesus’ earthly ministry shows that His miracles were inseparable from His relationship with the Father—His power flowed from perfect unity with God, not from a desire to impress.
John 17:21 (ESV) “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
John 17:21 (ESV)
“That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
Notice the theological significance: unity is a witness to the world of God’s sending of Christ. The Church’s unity is therefore missional—it authenticates the gospel. Unity is not optional; it is intrinsic to the Church’s testimony.
Unity reflects the nature of GodGod is triune—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in perfect relationship. Our unity mirrors the relational harmony within the Godhead. As John Stott notes, “The unity of believers is the visible demonstration of the invisible reality of God’s love.”
Unity strengthens our witnessMiracles without unity can create admiration but not faith. Jesus demonstrated this principle—His followers’ unity would validate His mission to the world. A divided Church, however, undermines the credibility of the gospel.
Unity is relational and practical
Prayer: Choosing to always pray alone, when opportunities exist to pray with others, diminishes the Spirit’s work. (Matthew 17:1; Mark 14:33–34)
Ministry: Choosing to preach or minister alone, when opportunities exist for teamwork, reduces God’s glory. (Luke 10:1; Acts 13:2)
Encouragement: Failing to comfort or encourage fellow believers—even when sharing the same faith, Spirit, and baptism—reflects a spirit of division and hinders God’s glory.
Unity is therefore both spiritual and practical, requiring deliberate effort to maintain in everyday interactions.
Ephesians 4:3–6 (ESV) “Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Ephesians 4:3–6 (ESV)
“Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Theologically, Paul emphasizes that unity is a gift of the Spirit and a responsibility of believers. It is maintained “in the bond of peace,” meaning reconciliation and humility are required to preserve relational and spiritual harmony. Unity is not uniformity—diverse gifts and perspectives exist—but it is coherence in Christ, directed toward God’s glory.
The unity of believers is the primary way God’s glory is revealed in the world. Miracles, preaching, and service are important, but without unity, their impact is limited. Just as Jesus was in perfect unity with the Father, we too are called to live in spiritual and relational harmony, reflecting God’s love and truth.
When believers are united, the world sees the reality of God and is drawn to Christ. May the Lord help us maintain unity in our churches, families, and communities, so that His glory may be fully revealed.
Share this good news with others, and live as a testimony of Christ’s love through unity.
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