I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. John 17:21-23 NLT
Why is unity so important to God? Because our unity helps the world believe in Christ. That being the case, it stands to reason that the opposite is also true, our quarreling makes it harder for the world to believe. Jesus wants His followers to experience perfect unity so that the world will believe the gospel message.
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 NIV
So how do we avoid foolish and stupid arguments? It takes a humble spirit, intentional effort and a whole lot of patience! Yet we are called to unity.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-2 NIV
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
If we are going to achieve unity, we can’t hold onto bitterness, and we can’t react to others with anger and harsh words. Instead, we need to treat others, no matter how much they get under our skin, with the same grace and love that God shows us.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV
Let’s be honest, it’s our human nature to keep a mental record of wrongs committed against us. We have trouble letting them go, but that’s what the Lord is asking us to do. If you’ve been wronged, you may need to make adjustments in your relationship, but emotionally, you need to let it go and get past it. It can’t be something you replay in your mind over and over. Not only will it rob you of joy, it will destroy any chance of unity being restored.
Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11 ESV
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14 ESV
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Matthew 5:14 KJV
Even if the other person has no desire to be unified, even if they hate you, love them anyway! They may see you as an enemy, despitefully use you and give you a hard time at every opportunity, love them anyway! Bless them, do good to them and pray for them! Here’s a little secret I’ve learned along the way: It’s very hard to harbor bitterness toward someone you are praying for. Don’t just mention their name before the Lord, take some time and really pray for them. As you do you’ll be amazed at how God touches your heart and gives you an unexpected love and compassion for them regardless of how they treat you. He may even show you the underlying pain that causes them to treat you the way they do, and in time, your love may bring them the healing they so desperately need.
Yes, our unity and our love, helps the world see that Jesus is for real!