“16 There are six things the Lord hates — no, seven things he detests: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, 18 a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, 19 a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.” —Proverbs 6:16-19

Unity is a challenge because our sinful nature pulls us toward division.

A divided Church is a weak church.

“12 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

We confuse unity with uniformity.

“12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. 14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part.” —1 Corinthians 12:12-14

Personal preferences often get in the way of unity.

Unity takes work – and sometimes we don’t want to do the work required.

“3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” —Ephesians 4:3

“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.” —1 Corinthians 1:10

Unity strengthens our witness.

“14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 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 3:14-15

“35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” —John 13:35

God blesses unity.

“1 How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! 2 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. 3 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.” —Psalm 133:1-3

Unity proves the power of the Gospel.

“20‘I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 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. 22 I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 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 17:20-21