The root of unity comes from the Latin word unus, meaning one, aligning with the definition of unity as the state of being one; oneness; a whole or totality. This concept of oneness is central to what Jesus desires for us to share with the Father and Himself. In His prayer to the Father, Christ repeatedly asks for our oneness with Him, the Father, and each other, emphasizing His clear desire for us to work diligently toward this end. Despite having all power at His disposal, Jesus chose to work toward unity rather than destruction, exercising His faith by humbly submitting to the sovereign Father's will. The oneness that Christ desires with us comes at a tremendous cost, as He chose to stay unified with the Father's will, faithfully following through with each painful step, even to His death. In contrast, satan seeks to destroy this unity, promoting division and conflict, as seen in the actions of those influenced by him. Jesus, however, did not live by satan's words but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God, providing a template for us to emulate in pursuing unity over division.

Jesus Christ, in His prayer recorded in John 17, fervently sought unity for His disciples and future believers. He emphasized this characteristic as essential for the church, praying that they may all be one, mirroring the unity between Himself and the Father. This unity is not merely organizational or achieved by consensus but parallels the profound unity within the divine nature. Christ foresaw divisions among His followers and thus asked for a great unity to exist despite differences, reflecting a deep relational bond among believers. This unity is portrayed through vivid images of the church as a family, a fellowship, and a body. As a family, believers are spiritual brothers and sisters, bound by relationships established by God, with no choice in who belongs but a mandate to be committed to one another in tangible ways. As a fellowship, it involves sharing a common Christian experience, rooted in the gospel, and necessitates sharing thoughts and lives with one another, far beyond mere acquaintance. As a body, unity underscores interdependence and service, emphasizing that no part can survive separated from the whole, and all must work together under Christ as the Head. The purpose of this unity, as Christ prayed, is to witness to the world. He desired that through this oneness, the world might believe that the Father sent Him. This unity stands in contrast to the world's fractures, serving as a desirable and attractive testimony to the divine unity that is its source. Thus, unity among believers is both a gift given to the church and a goal to strive for, requiring active effort and commitment to reflect the divine relationship in their midst.

Despite the vast differences among individuals, created uniquely by God with distinct internal and external traits, there is a profound call to unity. Our diverse life experiences shape personal worldviews, yet it is through the choices we make in living according to God's will that we find common ground. By accepting God-given changes and following Christ's way of living, we are unified into one body, one family, and one Spirit. Unity requires active participation and personal effort to maintain oneness not only with the Father and Son but also with each other. We share the same Spirit, and in humility and love, we offer support to one another, ensuring that no one is left out. This unity is grounded in the hope every child of God holds, a living hope based on eternal promises from a faithful God, distinguishing it from worldly hopes that falter. There is only one way to achieve oneness with God, a singular path that binds us into His Family. This common ground, supported by shared blessings, faith, and baptism, ensures that no one is greater or lesser as we stand before Him. God is in all of us through His Spirit, providing constant care and presence, unifying us closely with both the Father and Christ as we draw near to Him. Grace, another shared foundation, obligates us to use our diverse gifts for the benefit of all, strengthening the Body of Christ. Unity is further built through shared doctrines and truths, guided by the Helper sent by Christ, enabling us to walk together in agreement. Spiritual maturity is essential for maintaining this unity, as growth in truth and knowledge of God's ways ties us to one another and to Him. Speaking in truth and love, we aim to grow in all things toward Christ, reconciled with Him through a framework of love that builds up the Body. Love serves as the overarching characteristic of God's people, circumcising our hearts and manifesting in outward concern for each other, marking our passage from death to life. Disunity, however, can arise from hate, carnality, judgmental attitudes, and the influence of the evil one, who seeks to sow discord among God's people. Gossip and slander are destructive sins that can damage unity, placing stumbling blocks before others. Instead, we must emulate Christ's compassion, allowing unnecessary words to end with us and training our minds toward mercy. Other barriers to unity include jealousy, pride, anger, and doctrinal contentions, which must be diligently watched over. Yet, with the guiding hand of our Savior Jesus Christ, who is faithful, we receive the help needed to remain unified. If our God is with us, no force can stand against the oneness we share with Him and with each other.

The church began in a remarkable unity of mind, reflecting a standard of oneness that we should strive to emulate. This group, though diverse in opinions, was of one accord, united in purpose regarding their relationship with God. The unity of an orchestra, with over one hundred members harmonizing under a single director, serves as a vivid illustration of this principle, showcasing how varied parts work together to create something beautiful. Similarly, the human body, with its 100 trillion cells operating in harmony, demonstrates an even greater complexity and cooperation, designed by God to support life. In the spiritual realm, God has appointed the resurrected Christ as the Head of His body, the church, with each of us as individual parts forming the whole. This spiritual body, far more intricate than an orchestra or a human body, is being shaped into God's family and government over millennia. Each person brings unique complexity, yet God blends us into oneness with Him, empowering us through Christ to live according to His will. Eternal life, as defined by Christ, involves an intimate knowledge of God, a relationship that fosters a quality of life akin to His own, driving us toward unity with Him. Paul emphasizes the power available through Christ to conform to God's image, a power exemplified by Christ's resurrection, transforming us to fulfill our responsibilities. God purposefully arranges each member within Christ's body, calling individuals to specific roles, just as He designs every part of the human body for its unique function. Despite differences in location, culture, and language, and the lack of professional skill at the start, we all share the same spirit, God, Savior, and hope, drawn to live the same way of life as part of one body. Achieving this oneness faces challenges due to our human nature, which often resists cooperation, unlike the automatic harmony of bodily cells. God works to bring us to a place of willing cooperation, enabling growth through His power. The overall theme of unity underscores that God's purpose is to create a glorious family, redeemed through Christ, to be at one with Him. Sin, driven by self-centeredness, remains the primary cause of disunity, fueled by the power of the prince of the air, which we must consciously reject to maintain the oneness established by God's calling. Unity with God must precede human unity, as true cooperation hinges on aligning with His purpose. While men can achieve unity for carnal goals, such unity often falters due to self-interest. God does not demand uniformity but a shared starting point of agreement with Him through Christ, from which we walk toward the goal, overcoming challenges together. Our personal relationship with the Head, Christ, enables this oneness with each other, severing past ties to the ruler of this world. God supplies all we need to meet His requirements, ensuring we have no excuse for failing to cooperate, as He feeds and empowers His body to produce the beautiful harmony of unity under His direction.