PRACTICAL STEPS FOR MAINTAINING UNITY
What are the Consequences of our Disunity?
We give the world the right to judge Christianity—whether God loves them and wheher He sent His Son to save them (John 17:23).
We miss the Lord's blessing (Psalm 133:3). For there (where believers are united), “the Lord commanded the blessing—life forever.”
We experience defeat (1 Corinthians 6:6-7). In admonishing the Corinthian believers who go to court with another brother before unbelievers, Paul says in verse 7, “Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?”
God's reputation and ours may be maligned (1 Peter 2:12). As ministers of reconciliation (peacemakers), who serve the Prince of Peace, we confuse the watching world as to our identity and as to God's ability to accomplish His purposes. Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
Practical Steps for Maintaining Unity
Accept each person just as they are because that is how God treats us (Romans 15:7).
Deal quickly with each deficit in us that hinders our ability to fully relate to all other believers as our first and highest priority because “a brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city.” (Matthew 5:23-24; Proverbs 18:19). First be reconciled, even before you present your offering.
Develop a spirit of forgiveness even to those who hurt us repeatedly, confess any bitterness, and do not hold any account over another's head (Matthew 18:21-22). Forgive as God forgives us, without counting or without conditions, otherwise God will not forgive you (Mathew 6:14-15).
Consider others as more important than yourself (Philippians 2:3-4). “For where jealously and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing” (James 3:16).
Realize our responsibility to be peacemakers (1 Peter 3:8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18; Matthew 5:9).
Practice genuine Body life principles by applying the 59 “one another” commands in Scripture.
Remember that the basic cause of disunity is our lack of love, pride, and selfishness.
“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” (Ephesians 4:3-6).
Some material adapted from Advanced Training Institute of America and from Peacemaker Ministries
