Introduction

 Psalm 133:1-3 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, on Aaron’s beard, going down to the collar of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing, life forevermore.”  

The absence of unity in our society has led to countless ills and consequences. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of unity, and God Himself testifies to its power. Jesus taught that a house divided against itself cannot stand (Matthew 12:25) and prayed for the unity of His Church (John 17:11). Apostle Paul urges believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

The Seven Blessings of Unity

1: Good and Pleasant Relationships: Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Unity fosters harmonious and fulfilling relationships. When we are united, we can work together towards common goals and support one another through challenges.

2: Healing and Peace: Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Unity brings healing and peace to our hearts and minds. When we are at peace with one another, we can focus on the things that matter most and experience greater joy and fulfillment.  

3: Positive Impact on Every Part of the Body: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not the hand, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not therefore cease to be a part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not the eye, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not therefore cease to be a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole body were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has placed the members in the body, each one as he willed. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ On the contrary, the members that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, we clothe with more abundant honor, so that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a member of it.” Unity allows each member of the body of Christ to contribute their unique gifts and talents to the whole. When we work together in unity, we can accomplish far more than we could ever achieve on our own.  

4: Enjoyment of Leaders’ Blessings: 1 Timothy 5:17 “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are to be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” When we are united, we can enjoy the blessings of our spiritual leaders. They are able to lead and guide us more effectively when we are working together in harmony.

5: Attraction of Material Blessings:  Deuteronomy 28:2 “If you diligently obey the LORD your God and carefully observe all his commandments that I am commanding you today, the LORD will set you high above all the nations of the earth.” Unity can attract material blessings into our lives. When we are united, God is more likely to bless us with prosperity, abundance, and success.

6: Command of God’s Blessings: 1 Chronicles 22:10 “And the LORD said to Solomon, ‘Because you have sought this, and have not asked for riches, wealth, or honor, or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, that you may render righteous judgment to the people whom the LORD your God has given you to rule—'” Unity pleases God and causes Him to command His blessings upon us. When we are united, we can expect to experience God’s favor, peace, joy, good health, progress, victory over enemies, and prosperity.

7: Abundant Life: John 10:10 “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Unity leads to abundant life, both here and hereafter. When we are united with God and with one another, we can experience the fullness of life that He has intended for us.

The Importance of Pursuing Unity

Repentance:  Acts 3:19 “Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, and times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” We must repent of any ways in which we have contributed to disunity. We must be willing to forgive others and seek reconciliation.  

Intentional Pursuit: Ephesians 4:3 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” We must intentionally seek and pursue unity. This involves actively listening to others, respecting their viewpoints, and working together towards common goals.

Christ as the Foundation: Ephesians 2:14-16 “For he is our peace, who has made both one and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing hostility.” True unity can only be found in Christ. We must be rooted in Him and allow Him to guide our relationships.  

Conclusion

Unity is a powerful force that can bring about great blessings in our lives and in the world around us. By pursuing unity, we can experience the fullness of God’s love and grace. Let us strive to live in unity with one another and with God.

Additional Thoughts

Unity is a Gift from God: John 17:21 “that they all may be one, as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they may be one in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Unity is a gift from God that we must actively pursue.  

Unity is Essential for the Church:  Ephesians 4:13 “Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and the full knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.” The Church is meant to be a unified body, reflecting the unity of the Trinity.

Unity is a Powerful Witness to the World: John 13:35 “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” When we are united, we show the world the love and power of Jesus Christ.

Unity Requires Sacrifice: Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not only to their own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Pursuing unity may require us to sacrifice our own desires and preferences.  

Unity is Worth the Effort: John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” The blessings of unity far outweigh any challenges we may face in pursuing it.

Further Exploration

Read the Book of Acts: The Book of Acts demonstrates the importance of unity in the early church.

Study the Life of Jesus: Jesus emphasized the importance of unity among His followers.

Seek Guidance from a Mentor: A spiritual mentor can offer guidance and support as you seek to cultivate unity in your relationships.

Join a Bible Study Group: Connect with other believers who are committed to pursuing unity.

Pray Regularly: Spend time in prayer, asking God for help in pursuing unity.

By actively pursuing unity, we can experience the fullness of God’s blessings and make a positive impact on the world around us. Amen.