God’s Design for Unity
Scripture
John 17:20–23
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee,
21 that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Psalm 133
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, Even Aaron's beard: That went down to the skirts of his garments;
3 As the dew of Hermon, And as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: For there the LORD commanded the blessing, Even life for evermore.
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee,
21 that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Psalm 133
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, Even Aaron's beard: That went down to the skirts of his garments;
3 As the dew of Hermon, And as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: For there the LORD commanded the blessing, Even life for evermore.
Day 2: God’s Design for Unity
Unity is not a human invention or even a church strategy—it is God’s design. Before the cross, before the resurrection, before the church was ever formed, Jesus prayed for unity. In John 17, Jesus looks beyond His immediate disciples and prays for everyone who would come to believe through their message. His desire is clear and compelling: “that they may all be one.”
This unity is modeled after the identity of Jesus, being both the Father and the Son. Jesus connects this unity directly to the credibility of the gospel, saying that the world will believe God sent Him when they see believers walking together as one. Unity, then, is not merely for our comfort or harmony; it is missional. It reveals the reality of Christ to a watching world.
Psalm 133 echoes this truth with poetic beauty. Unity is described as “good and pleasant,” like precious oil flowing down Aaron’s beard or dew settling on Mount Hermon. These images speak of blessing, abundance, and life. Where unity exists, God commands blessing. Not suggests, but rather he commands it.
Yet unity does not come automatically. It must be pursued, protected, and practiced. Division often creeps in quietly—through misunderstandings, unmet expectations, pride, or unresolved hurt. When unity is neglected, the church loses its spiritual vitality and its witness becomes blurred.
God’s design for unity does not erase differences. Instead, it weaves them together under a shared love for Christ. True unity is not agreement on everything; it is commitment to one another because of Christ.
Today, reflect on your role in God’s design. Are your attitudes fostering unity or creating distance? Are your words building bridges or erecting walls? Ask the Lord to search your heart and align it with His desire for oneness among His people.
As you pray, remember this: when believers walk in unity, they are living answers to Jesus’ prayer. May your life be part of that beautiful testimony.
This unity is modeled after the identity of Jesus, being both the Father and the Son. Jesus connects this unity directly to the credibility of the gospel, saying that the world will believe God sent Him when they see believers walking together as one. Unity, then, is not merely for our comfort or harmony; it is missional. It reveals the reality of Christ to a watching world.
Psalm 133 echoes this truth with poetic beauty. Unity is described as “good and pleasant,” like precious oil flowing down Aaron’s beard or dew settling on Mount Hermon. These images speak of blessing, abundance, and life. Where unity exists, God commands blessing. Not suggests, but rather he commands it.
Yet unity does not come automatically. It must be pursued, protected, and practiced. Division often creeps in quietly—through misunderstandings, unmet expectations, pride, or unresolved hurt. When unity is neglected, the church loses its spiritual vitality and its witness becomes blurred.
God’s design for unity does not erase differences. Instead, it weaves them together under a shared love for Christ. True unity is not agreement on everything; it is commitment to one another because of Christ.
Today, reflect on your role in God’s design. Are your attitudes fostering unity or creating distance? Are your words building bridges or erecting walls? Ask the Lord to search your heart and align it with His desire for oneness among His people.
As you pray, remember this: when believers walk in unity, they are living answers to Jesus’ prayer. May your life be part of that beautiful testimony.
1 Comment
Very welcome messages!!