March 10, 2024
”Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.” John 17:11 (NLT).
“Finally, all of you have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV)
Growing up in church, we did not have ‘praise dancing’ as a form of worship and many churches today still do not have a ‘praise dance ministry.’ However, I must admit that I love to see young people move in a coordinated musical expression of worship before the Lord, an expression of adoration and reverence in dance, in perfect symmetry and unity.
When it comes to the intricate tapestry and rhythmic expression of our Christian faith, the unity of Christians finds its ultimate model in the perfect unity between God the
Father and God the Son. As referenced in John chapter 17, Jesus prayed fervently for this unity among His followers, expressing His desire “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.” In John 17:11, shortly before Jesus went to the cross, He prayed for unity among His followers. He said, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.” This unity is not merely a human endeavor but a divine reality, reflecting the very nature of God Himself.
The Heartbeat of Christian Unity echoes throughout the pages of Scripture, resonating with the divine symphony orchestrated by the hand of God Himself. Another example in Scripture is found in the writing of the Apostle Paul. He writes 1 Corinthians chapter 12, using an analogy of the human body and how it functions harmoniously with its various parts working together, so should the body of Christ operate in unity, each member contributing its unique role for the greater purpose of advancing God’s kingdom on earth. There should be a profound melody, pulsating at the very core of our beliefs, a rhythm that transcends denominational lines, cultural barriers, and theological differences.
Yet, we live in a world stained by division and discord, the call to unity especially Christian unity often falls on deaf ears, drowned out by the discord of competing ideologies, and personal agendas. And yet, the Heartbeat of Christian Unity continues to beckon us to listen, respond, and harmonize our lives with the divine melody of reconciliation and peace.
What is the Importance of Christian Unity Especially in the World We Live in Today?
Christian Unity brings a common sense of purpose and devotion. It is not just for the church, there should be unity in our marriages, our families, our friendships, and every aspect of our lives.
The Early Church: They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.
Acts 2:42-44. “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.” (NLT)
Romans 15:6. “Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NLT)
1 Corinthians 1:10. I appeal to you, dear brothers, and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. (NLT)
Psalm 133:1-3. How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting. (NLT)
How do we as Christians Accomplish Unity in the Body of Christ?
- We achieve unity by adopting a Christlike attitude.
Romans 15:5–6. “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (ESV).
The ultimate purpose of this unity was that with one heart and mouth – a unity of inward feeling and outward expression they would glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The bottom line is that God’s people should be speaking with one voice in glorifying God – the glory that is due to ONLY HIM!
- We achieve unity by exercising our God-given gifts.
Ephesians 4:11-13. “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” (NLT)
Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full-grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.
- We achieve unity through sympathy for each other.
1 Peter 3:8-9. “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.” (NLT) We all should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.
4. We achieve unity by humility and gentleness.
Ephesians 4:2-4. “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.” (NLT)
We are to be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit and bind yourselves together with peace.
5. We achieve unity by love and forgiveness for each other.
Colossians 3:13-14. “ For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” (NLT) Believers in Christ make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. It is the love of Christ that binds us all together in perfect harmony. Praise God!
Eternal life does not mean merely living forever but knowing
God intimately! It refers to a quality of life the moment you enter into a relationship
with Jesus Christ – life begins and extends throughout eternity!
HEART 
CHALLENGE: There are Hindrances to the Heartbeat of Christian Unity!
1. Racial division and ethnic walls hinder unity.
Ephesians 2:14: “Christ himself has made peace between us Jews and you Gentiles by making us all one people. He has broken down the wall of hostility that used to separate us.” (NLT) Christ Jesus, through his death, destroyed the barriers that had separated us. We all who believed in Him as Savior and Lord are made into one people, Christians, Believers in Christ. When you come to Jesus Christ, you are not only brought into a body but you are also brought into a place where you stand before God as an equal with anybody. There should never be a point of separation for Believers on any basis at all. We have been made one in Christ. If you are a Believer in Christ, no matter who you are, and guess what – we will be together throughout eternity. So, it wouldn’t be a good idea for us to speak and fellowship with each other every now and then, down here, wouldn’t it?
2. Walls of division and argument hinder unity.
1 Corinthians 1:10. “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” (NLT) Be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the church.
3. Falsehood hinders unity.
Ephesians 4:25-27. “ So, stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” (NLT)
Believers in Christ have a new nature! Their general character will lead to specific ways of acting, which are righteous, holy, and true, and therefore must put away all falsehood. Hell is TOO HOT to spend eternity!
A UNITED 
HEART: When Christians are united in Christ, the world sees two things clearly! They see that Jesus was sent by the Father, and Jesus loves His church. Christian unity comes with Christian maturity, and it is always something that we strive to attain. In Ephesians 4:3, the Apostle Paul instructs us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”. Helping us toward that unity are the gifts of the Spirit. God has given each Christian at least one gift, and their exercise of that gift(s) in the edification of the church, leads to more and more unity. One purpose of the gifts is that “we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for Your Word that provides us with clear instructions on how to live in Christian unity. May our hearts be attuned to the symphony of unity, may our lives resonate with its melody, and may the world bear witness to the transformative power of Your love as we embrace the heartbeat of Christian unity, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.
Reference: Logos Bible Study