STRIVING TOWARD UNITY:

BUILDING BRIDGES IN A FRACTURED WORLD

Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

Unity. It’s a word that evokes warmth, strength, and a sense of belonging. And yet, in a world of increasing division (where differences often breed distance) it can feel elusive, even among people of faith.

Throughout history, some of the most successful movements, companies, and communities have shared one common trait: a unifying mission. When people come together around a clear, shared purpose, something remarkable happens. There’s focus. There’s energy. And most importantly, there’s momentum.

As followers of Christ, we too have a unifying mission: to love God, follow Jesus, and share His transformative grace with the world. Our shared calling isn’t a vague ideal; it’s a living reality that shapes our relationships, decisions, and communities.

And yet, even within the Church, disunity persists.

Why is that?

Part of the struggle lies in losing sight of the mission. Instead of locking arms in purpose, we sometimes focus more on what separates us (opinions, personalities, preferences, or backgrounds) than on what unites us: Christ Himself. And let’s be honest—our human nature tends toward pride, comparison, and self-interest, all of which naturally create distance rather than connection.

But Psalm 133 offers a refreshing vision: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” This isn’t just poetic—it’s powerful. When we live in unity, it reflects God’s heart and reveals His love to a watching world. Unity isn’t the absence of differences; it’s the decision to honor one another in the midst of those differences. It’s about choosing grace over grudges, humility over ego, and purpose over preference.

Unity doesn’t mean uniformity. We don’t all have to think, speak, or worship the same way. Diversity in the body of Christ is a gift, not a threat. What matters is that we allow those differences to enrich rather than divide us, remembering that our highest calling is not to ourselves, but to Christ and His kingdom.

So, how do we get there?

We start with humility, choosing to listen, to learn, and to extend grace, even when we disagree. We practice empathy, seeking to understand before we try to be understood. We pursue reconciliation where relationships have been fractured. And we intentionally build bridges where walls have been erected.

Most of all, we fix our eyes on Jesus. He is our center, our compass, and our common ground. When we focus on Him, unity becomes not just possible—but inevitable.

TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT:

Who in your life looks, thinks, or lives differently from you? Are there strained relationships that need healing? What’s one step you can take today to foster unity, whether through a word of encouragement, an apology, or an act of kindness?

Unity is not passive. It’s something we must strive for, step by step, with hearts anchored in love.

Let’s be people who build bridges. Let’s choose unity—not because it’s easy, but because it reflects the very heart of God. Because in the end, we truly are better together. And when the people of God walk in unity, the world gets a clearer glimpse of the One who unites us all. Amen.