Godly Unity

Official Statement on the subject of UNITY

Unity is powerful
The Lord said, ‘If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.” (Tower of Babel – Genesis 11:6).
Though one maybe overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” (Acts 2:1). The power of the Holy Spirit filled each and every one.

Unity is blessed and to be desired.
How good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity…For there the Lord bestows his blessing…” (Psalm 133).
“…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you…so that the world may believe that you sent me.” (John 17:21).
“…a spirit of unity…one heart and mouth…accept one another…” (Rom 15:5-7).
Also Ephesians 2:14, 4:1-7

What is Unity?
Predominately, Christian unity is mutual identity in Christ (Galatians 3:26-29), shared spiritual life, focus and direction, which transcends difference and diversity. Our fellowship is with the Father and with this Son, Jesus Christ. (I John 1:3). Unity is rooted in our common love for Christ, his Word and his mission. It manifests itself in atmosphere, attitude and actions.

How do unity and diversity interrelate?
Unity is not sameness. The church is comprised of individuals distinctly different as to sex, age, race, background, temperament, preferences… (The body – 1 Corinthians 12:27). It is our common focus, not our alikeness or our perpetual agreement, which unites us. Uniformity is unrealistic, even undesirable. Unity of the Spirit is our goal. Unity of the faith will not be achieved fully until HE comes (Ephesians 4:3). We strive to be in unity and at peace with all men.


How is unity developed?
Relationship with Jesus commitment to Scripture and fullness of the Holy Spirit, with fruit (Galatians 5:22, James 3:17), provide the ingredients for unity. “Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”
(Romans 8:5) Unity is of the Holy Spirit. Disunity is of the flesh. “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:26).

Practical steps to unity
1 Cultivate personal growth in the Holy Spirit (unity is of the Spirit)
2 Pray for others by name
3 Respect and appreciate the uniqueness of others who are not like you.
4 Commit yourself to the well being of others.
5 Speak well of others to others.
6 Keep no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13)
7 Hold each other accountable to the above.

How is unity maintained?
Christian love (unselfish commitment to each other’s well being), with genuine respect and appreciation for each other; preserves unity. The application of grace, as the inseparable partner of peace, is essential (Romans 1:7 and every Pauline epistle) the inseparable partner of peace, is essential (Romans 1:7 and every Pauline epistle). Humility is another inseparable element, without which unity will not continue. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10). “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2) Forgiveness is a key component.
The greatest threats to unity are those subtle invasions of ego, pride, selfishness, wanting one’s own way. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interests of others.” (Philipians 2:3-4).
The loving practice of biblical discipline (Matthew 18, I Timothy 5…) fosters unity. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
Christian unity is essential to God’s fullest blessing. The rewards are worth the effort it takes to develop and preserve unity. May unity flourish among believers at Word for the World Family Church.

Adopted by the Executive Board of Directors in 2004, the acceptable year of our Lord.