Unity After Division

We’ve all been there. Heated debates, sharp disagreements, and the lingering bitterness that sometimes comes with them. Whether it’s in our families, communities, or even our churches, division can creep in and make us forget something vital: we’re called to unity. And here’s the kicker—it’s not just a good idea; it’s deeply Christian.

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Unity Isn’t Optional in God’s Kingdom

Jesus made it clear that unity is central to His vision for His followers. In John 17:20-21, He prays,
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 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.”

Did you catch that? Jesus links our unity to the credibility of our witness to the world. When we’re divided, we lose our voice. But when we come together, we reflect the love and harmony within the Trinity itself. That’s powerful stuff.

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Grace: The Bridge Builder

If we’re honest, unity isn’t easy. It requires grace—a lot of it. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:2-3 to approach one another with humility, gentleness, and patience, “bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

This means choosing to listen more than we speak, seeking to understand rather than to win. It means asking ourselves, “Am I loving my brother or sister in Christ as Jesus has loved me?” Spoiler alert: He loved us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). That’s the kind of radical love we’re called to extend.

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Unity Through Forgiveness

Let’s be real—division often comes with hurt. And where there’s hurt, forgiveness is necessary for healing. Colossians 3:13 says,
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Think about that for a second. The forgiveness we extend isn’t dependent on the other person’s apology or behavior. It’s rooted in the forgiveness we’ve already received from Christ.

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The World Is Watching

Here’s why this matters so much: our unity is a testimony. Jesus told His disciples, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

When we choose to unify after a divisive moment, we demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel. It’s not about agreeing on every issue; it’s about loving each other deeply despite our differences.

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Moving Forward Together

So what’s the takeaway? Unity isn’t just a lofty ideal—it’s a calling. And it’s not something we achieve on our own. It’s the Spirit of God working in us, breaking down walls of hostility (Ephesians 2:14), and knitting us together as one body in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).

Let’s commit to being bridge builders, grace givers, and love bearers in a world that desperately needs the hope of unity. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s who we are in Christ.

Blessings,
Charlie