What practical steps can you take to promote unity within your church community? Rooted in the Cornerstone “In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.” (Ephesians 2:21) Christ sets the pattern for unity • He is the Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). • Every stone takes its place by aligning with Him—not personal preferences. • Unity grows as each believer remembers we are being built into one temple, not many little sheds. Why Unity Matters • Jesus prayed “that they may all be one” (John 17:21). • “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” (Psalm 133:1). • A unified church makes the gospel visible (John 13:34-35). Practical Steps to Promote Unity 1. Align Your Heart with Truth • Stay in the Word together—one foundation keeps many hearts on the same page. • Hold fast to “the faith that was once for all delivered” (Jude 3) to avoid divisions over shifting opinions. 2. Prioritize Gathering • “Do not neglect meeting together” (Hebrews 10:25). • Show up consistently; presence communicates value and fosters familiarity. 3. Cultivate Humility and Gentleness • “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). • Assume the best about motives; ask questions before drawing conclusions. 4. Listen Actively • “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). • Repeat back what you heard; it signals respect and clarifies misunderstandings. 5. Pursue Reconciliation Quickly • “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault” (Matthew 18:15). • Keep short accounts; unresolved conflicts harden like mortar in the wrong places. 6. Serve Side-by-Side • “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). • Shared projects—meal trains, outreach events, facility care—bond hearts while meeting needs. 7. Speak Edifying Words • “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up” (Ephesians 4:29). • Praise publicly, correct privately, and keep gossip off the table. 8. Pray Together Regularly • Corporate prayer knits believers together (Acts 1:14). • Thank God for each member by name; gratitude softens attitudes. 9. Celebrate Diversity, Guard Doctrine • Welcome different backgrounds and giftings (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). • Draw firm lines on essential truths (Galatians 1:8), flexible lines on secondary issues (Romans 14:19). 10. Model Sacrificial Love • “Clothe yourselves with love, which is the bond of perfect unity” (Colossians 3:14). • Give time, resources, and emotional energy for the good of others—love costs, but it unites. Fruit to Expect • A holy temple that visibly displays God’s glory (Ephesians 2:21-22). • A witness that attracts the watching world (Acts 2:46-47). • A family where each member grows and flourishes (Ephesians 4:15-16). |
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