Promote unity

In last week’s post we talked about God’s desire for unity among his people and his intentions and will for us to be peacemakers. We discussed how that if God desires unity, then we can expect opposition from Satan striving to instigate division and strife. The devil will set up some very tempting traps that can easily and sometimes unknowingly lure us right into division. We previously discussed some ways to evaluate ourselves and our intentions in order to avoid Satan’s traps of engaging in divisive behavior. In this post we’ll address some practical ways to create and promote unity and how to avoid activities or communication that would produce strife or division.

This is by no means an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all of the possible and effective strategies for promoting unity. However, these are a few practical things that we can each start putting into practice right now in our everyday lives as we engage with others. We can all do better to engage in and promote unity with the people we encounter both in person and online.

Unity IS possible…because of Jesus

First we need to realize that the ability to have and promote unity is possible. There can be unity in and because of Jesus Christ. He took two very opposing groups of people and created unity. With Jesus it is possible to remove hostility and bring peace.

“But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.” Ephesians 2:13-16 (NLT)

I loved this quote that I read in one of my Bible reading plans:

“Unity is a keystone element of Jesus’ work on the cross. You have likely experienced the devastatingly divisive power of sin. Sin separates us from God and from each other. But at the cross, Jesus demolished the divisive power of sin. That is why the whole point of Christ’s work was to reconcile that which was pulled apart.

Stories from the book of Acts also show us that God’s work multiplies unity. In so many places throughout Acts, powerful moves of God are associated with believers being of one heart and mind. This unity was not only of a spiritual nature, but also a tangible and visible unity with solutions to real-world problems.

…God is looking for opportunities to multiply unity, because work done in unity among the people of God releases the power of God.”^[1]

It mentions that “unity is a keystone element”. A keystone is the central stone at the top of an arch that holds and locks it all together. Keystones reconcile or bring two sides together holding them in a stable position. God did this kind of reconciling on earth through his son, Jesus. Because of what Jesus did we were united back to God and can be united back with people. Operating in unity and peace instead of division, strife, and hostility IS possible!

Love can create and promote unity

Jesus says that one of the defining characteristics of his disciples and followers should be their love.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 (NIV)

To be divisive and create strife is not showing love. It goes against what Jesus calls one of the greatest commandments.

“Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”” Matthew 22:37-40 (NLT)

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”” Galatians 5:13-14 (NLT)

The Bible even tells us that love will promote unity amongst people.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NIV)

Practical ways of using love to promote unity:

1 Corinthians 13 addresses what love looks like in action:

“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 (NLT)

Therefore, when we are attempting to promote unity by showing love it means that our engagement and responses…

• • Are patient
  • Will be kind and caring
  • Will not be jealous or envious in nature (or in motive)
  • Won’t have arrogance or a know-it-all attitude and won’t be boastful, proud or lacking humility
  • Will not be rude, irritable, disrespectful, sarcastic, overly-sensitive, or easily offended or angered
  • Are not selfish, self-seeking, or self-centered (not trying to get attention)
  • Do not keep records of being wronged
  • Don’t delight in what is wrong or rejoice about injustice or wrongdoing
  • Will rejoice and truth and just and when right and truth prevail
  • Will not give up or be quick throw in the towel and will bear and tolerate much
  • Won’t lose faith and will believe the best, giving others the benefit of the doubt
  • Will remain hopeful and won’t allow hope to fade
  • Remain steadfast in difficult times, endure all circumstances, and will persevere

Give grace to promote unity

In order to avoid division, promote unity, and to create an atmosphere of peace and harmony, it’s going to require some grace on our part. We HAVE to learn to make allowances for each other’s faults and learn to give people the benefit of the doubt. This can sometimes be painful and involve sacrifice on our part. We have to humble ourselves and deny some of our own rights (“take up our cross”) to build unity and maintain peace and harmony at times.

I was reading another Bible reading plan about being better in community, and this passage stood to me:

“Pastor Craig Groeschel says, “We judge others by their actions while judging ourselves by our intentions.” It is so natural to focus on the shortcomings of others while overlooking our own deficiencies. Because of this, disunity is kindled in our hearts. If we would spend more time showing the grace to others that we show to ourselves, we would experience more unity among those with whom we may not see eye to eye.”^[2] 

The Holy Spirit will help us and God will give us grace

We need grace, God’s ability and enabling power, to help us do things we cannot do in our own strength. The Holy Spirit will help us to act in humility, show love, and have grace with difficult people or others with whom we might not always agree. We must do this in order to create and maintain unity.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NLT)

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 (NIV) *see also Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23

“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)

“I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]” Philippians 4:13 (AMP)

Promote unity by recognizing the image of God in others

We can also bring unity by recognizing the value in EVERY human being. God has created us ALL in his image. We need to be able to recognize the image of God in one another. It will be much easier to be a peacemaker and not get caught up in negative emotions if we can see the intrinsic value in others. Every single human being (even the difficult ones!) are valuable to and greatly loved by God. If they are important to God, they should also be important to us and treated as such.

“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 (NLT)

To help us with this, we can pray, “Lord, help me to see your image in others, especially those that are difficult to get along with or with whom I may disagree. Remind me of their value and importance and that you love them just as you love me.”

Promote unity by taking authority over evil influences

Sometimes we work in opposition to unity because we become offended or critical of others. We need to be aware that there is a very real, yet unseen, supernatural and spiritual enemy working against us.

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)

Therefore, we need to also be cautious of a “critical spirit” or a “spirit of offense or division”. This can be an actual demonic influence that we have to command to leave. If we find ourselves in a position where were are constantly becoming offended or are very nitpicky and critical of others, there’s a very real possibility that we might be being influenced (i.e. negative thoughts are being planted) by an evil spirit attempting to cause strife and rob us and others of our peace.

In a situation like this, we need to use our God-given spiritual authority over the enemy and command him to leave. We can say, “Critical Spirit, I command you to leave now in the name of Jesus.” We can use this same command by substituting with the names “Spirit of Offense” or “Spirit of Division”. Basically, we just need to name it, and tell it to leave.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…” 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)

“Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.” Luke 10:19 (NLT)

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (NIV)

Take Some Practical Steps to Promote Unity:

When someone may say, do, write, or stand for something that you disagree with…

• First, remember that God desires unity and that as his followers we should be peacemakers not troublemakers. We should be defined by our love, not our divisiveness.

If God desires it and commands it, then it IS possible. We need to recognize that unity is possible with because of Jesus and with his help.

• Secondly, keep in mind the steps from last week.

You need to check your motives and do some self-appraisal before engaging either in person or online. Before responding check your communication or reply against the Biblical guidelines for communication.

• Then, promote unity by showing love.

You can show love by engaging in a way that is patient and kind, without responding out of jealousy, and without being irritable, rude, sarcastic, overly-sensitive, or easily offended. It is loving to be humble and avoid arrogance and a know-it-all attitude. Your motives should not be selfish or in trying to get attention. Don’t point out or keep a scorecard of wrongs. You should not take joy in the injustice or suffering of others, and don’t taking joy in wrongdoing. Be happy when the truth wins out. Be tolerant and don’t be quick to give up. If you are loving you will give others the benefit of the doubt. Remain full of hope, and show endurance and persistence. Finally, remain steadfast, and be willing to withstand difficult situations and circumstances. Persevere in love.

• Next, give some grace and pray for your own grace.

Make allowances for others’ faults, and ask for and rely on God’s ability and enabling power to help you endure situations and circumstances that you normally can’t put up with in your own power.

• Ask God to help you see others the way he sees them and remember that every human being is valuable and loved.

• Take spiritual authority over the enemy (especially a critical spirit or a spirit of offense or division) and verbally tell him to leave.

• Then, if you find that certain types of posts, articles, conversations, or comments get you riled up, you may want to try to avoid them altogether.

I have found that I, personally, usually have to avoid the comment sections on articles because they typically just make me mad when I see some of the trolls’ comments. I’m tempted to write a negative comment myself, so to avoid that temptation, I just don’t even read the comments. You may need to do something similar. It may even be a good idea to avoid certain social media pages or unfollow or block people (and there’s no need to tell them you’re doing so!).

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 (ESV)

“Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.” 2 Timothy 2:14 (NLT)

“Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.” 2 Timothy 2:23-24 (NLT)

“But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” Titus 3:9 (HCSB)

“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” James 4:1 (ESV)

• Sometimes we will just need to keep our mouths shut (KMS) in order to promote unity and avoid division.

If you see something that makes you mad or that you disagree with, it might be best to just keep on scrolling or bite your tongue and/or change the topic. Sometimes the best way to avoid strife and division is to stay silent. There’s no law or rule that says you always have to say something or reply. The Bible calls people like that a fool.

“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” Proverbs 10:19 (NLT)

“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” Proverbs 17:27-28 (NLT)

“Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.” Proverbs 21:23 (NLT)

“Smart people keep quiet about what they know, but stupid people advertise their ignorance.” Proverbs 12:23 (GNT)

“The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.” Proverbs 13:3 (HCSB)

“Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.” Proverbs 18:2 (NLT) 

“The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.” Proverbs 18:7 (NLT)

“The fool vents all his feelings, but the wise person keeps them to himself.” Proverbs 29:11 (ISV)

“Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Proverbs 29:20 (ESV)

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19 (NLT)

• Lastly, ask God to help you to avoid making divisive actions or comments. 

Let this verse be your daily confession/prayer:

“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 (NIV) *you might add, “keep watch over the typing of my fingers!”

There’s “unity” in community—It’s our job to keep the “unity” in community!

What are some ways that you promote unity within your community and sphere of influence? Share them with us by leaving a comment below.

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If you know anyone that could benefit from this, please pay it forward!  Share this post via the sharing links below.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) 

1. Ramirez, Lucas. “Everything God Does Multiplies Unity.” God’s Great Passion For Unity Reading Plan Day 2, my.bible.com/reading-plans/12499-gods-great-passion-for-unity/day/2. ↑
2. YouVersion. “Seek Unity.” Better Together: Seeking God With Others Reading Plan Day 2, my.bible.com/reading-plans/16346-better-together-seeking-god-with-others/day/2. ↑