Principles for Bringing Unity to a Group or Couple.
Introduction.
In a world marked by diversity, creating a sense of unity within a group is a universal challenge. In fact, it was something Jesus specifically prayed for among his followers:
John 17:20-23 My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Jesus in this passage emphasizes the importance of complete unity among his disciples. He states that his goal and wish is that the same glory he has been given by God be passed onto his 12 disciples for the sake of unity. This complete unity goes beyond the togetherness, community or camaraderie the world knows of today. Rather, it serves as a means for the world to recognize Jesus’ divine mission and God’s love for humanity through the church which will be started by these 12 disciples after Jesus’ departure.
It is crucial to acknowledge that achieving complete unity does not come naturally to humans, as we are inherently selfish and sinful. Therefore, it requires intentional effort and a willingness to set aside personal interests for the greater good of the group or couple. This selflessness allows individuals to transcend their selfish tendencies and align themselves with the unity that exists between Jesus and God the Father. In the same way these two persons have been aligned for the same purpose, every man within the church needs to have the same focus and tight unity in action and in thought.
The impact of achieving complete unity is profound. When the world witnesses this unity among believers, they are able to witness the love of God manifested through them. This unity becomes a powerful testimony to the truth of Jesus’ message and the reality of God’s love for humanity.
This article delves deeply then into the principles for bringing a couple or a group to unity involve recognizing the need for intentional effort and setting aside of personal interests. By achieving complete unity, believers become a powerful testament to God’s love, allowing the world to witness the truth of Jesus’ message.
Point 1. Deal with disunity.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
In today’s society, man’s typical reaction towards disunity often lead to bad attitudes and negativity. These reactions include but are not limited to: individuals turning boastful, proud, abusive, ungrateful, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, displaying a lack of self-control, and being resistant to doing what is good in a situation when faced with disunity within their group.
The above-mentioned attitude is not how men in God’s kingdom act. Resolving conflicts within the context of God’s kingdom is crucial. It is not in alignment with God’s teachings to avoid or ignore disunity. Instead, individuals should strive to address conflicts in a manner that reflects godly principles and promotes unity.
Understanding that falling away is never an option.
Falling away from one’s faith and becoming religious without righteousness can hinder the resolution of conflicts. It is important to recognize that religious practices alone do not guarantee true reconciliation. Instead, individuals should focus on cultivating righteousness and seeking genuine solutions to conflicts.
Understanding that the first step towards falling away is the failure to resolve conflicts with others in the kingdom or within one’s heart is crucial. By acknowledging this, individuals can take proactive steps to address disunity and prevent further deterioration of relationships.
When dealing with disunity, it is important to be cautious about seeking advice from individuals who have fallen away from their faith. Such individuals may not possess the necessary wisdom or understanding to guide others in a godly manner. Instead, seek guidance from trusted sources who prioritize righteousness and reconciliation.
When faced with conflicts, individuals may be tempted to seek refuge in another church or community that allows them to avoid dealing with their own hearts and issues. However, this approach does not lead to genuine resolution. It is important to confront and address personal issues and conflicts directly, rather than seeking an easy escape route.
Point 2. Value others above yourself.
Philippians 2:3-5 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
The passage above highlights an important principle in the fight for unity and it is having the interests of others in mind. By prioritizing the needs and wants of others above yourself, you create an environment that promotes understanding, cooperation, and friendship.
To achieve this, humility plays a significant role. Humility involves recognizing that your own desires and opinions are not the sole focus. Instead, it requires acknowledging the value and importance of others’ perspectives and actively seeking to understand them. By humbly approaching discussions and conflicts, you create space for open dialogue and mutual respect. This also means considering the well-being and happiness of others as equally important as your own. It involves actively listening to their concerns, desires, and aspirations, and making an effort to accommodate them whenever possible.
If everyone in a group, relationship or even a family embraced this principle how differently would this world look like? When each individual genuinely considers the interests of others, conflicts can be resolved more effectively, and compromises can be reached. By fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and respected, the group can work together towards common goals and shared understanding.
Being selfishly ambitious, on the other hand, is the opposite as it only promotes the values of one man and aggravates disunity. This mindset involves pushing your own agenda and wishes at the expense of others. It disregards the importance of valuing others and can lead to division and discord within the group.
Ultimately, the mindset we are supposed to have is one that seeks to win the other person over, rather than focusing on personal victories. This means approaching conflicts and disagreements with the intention of finding common ground and reaching a resolution that benefits everyone involved. By adopting this mindset, individuals can foster an atmosphere of collaboration and understanding, where unity becomes the shared goal.
Matthew 18:15 If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.
In every situation, seek to ask yourself, what would Jesus do in this situation, or even better what did Jesus do? After asking this question, go and do likewise.
Point 3. Take disunity seriously.
1 Corinthians 1:10-13 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?
In this passage above, do you think problems and issues existed within the church? Absolutely! In the early church, various problems and conflicts arose among its members. These issues ranged from disagreements over doctrine and leadership to cultural and social divisions. Yet, the early church strove to find solutions to the challenges and made great efforts in maintaining unity and addressing these conflicts effectively.
It should not come as a surprise that we face similar problems today. Human nature and the complexities of relationships often give rise to disagreements and conflicts. Just as the early church encountered challenges, every group experiences disunity that needs to be addressed.
Division and disunity in a group refers to a state of disagreement, conflict, or lack of harmony within a couple or a group. It signifies a breakdown in communication, shared goals, or mutual understanding. Division can hinder progress, create tension, and negatively impact relationships. From a spiritual perspective, division is viewed as a serious matter by God. The Bible emphasizes the importance of unity and warns against division within the body of believers. God desires His people to be united in love, purpose, and faith. Division can hinder the fulfillment of God’s plan and impact the effectiveness of His work.
We need to see that division is a salvation issue.
Recognizing that division is a salvation issue is crucial in addressing disunity within couples or groups. It goes beyond mere interpersonal conflicts and has implications for the overall well-being and spiritual growth of individuals involved.
Galatians 5:20-21 hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
To achieve perfect unity in mind and thought, it is essential to follow a process that addresses the underlying issues causing disunity:
1. Opening up and Sharing: The first step in resolving disunity is creating a safe space for open dialogue. Allowing each individual to express their thoughts, concerns, and emotions fosters understanding and empathy. By actively listening to one another, the group can gain insight into the root causes of disunity. This goes on until everything from all parties have been laid down on the table.
2. Taking Responsibility for Change: Once the issues have been identified, it is crucial for each person involved to take responsibility for their part in the disunity. This involves reflecting on personal actions, attitudes, and behaviors that may have contributed to the conflict. By acknowledging one’s role, individuals can begin the process of personal growth and change.
3. Persistence and Commitment: Achieving complete unity requires persistence and commitment from all parties involved. It is important to persevere through difficult conversations and challenges that may arise during the process. By staying dedicated to the goal of unity, individuals can work together to overcome obstacles and find common ground.
4. Forgiveness: Forgiveness plays a vital role in the journey towards unity. Each person must be willing to forgive one another for past hurts and grievances. By letting go of resentment and embracing forgiveness, individuals can create a foundation of healing and reconciliation.
5. Agreement on Areas of Improvement: In order to move forward, it is essential for the group to reach a consensus on the areas that need improvement. This involves identifying specific actions or behaviors that each person commits to working on individually. By collectively agreeing on these areas, the group can foster personal growth and development.
Before we confront and talk to the people we have unresolved issues with, we need to be reminded of this scripture. This scripture needs to help us frame our mentality before going into conversation. That the goal of all this is to love, not to win the argument but to support and win the other party over to Christ.
Ephesians 4:15-16 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Bringing unity to a group or a couple requires intentional effort and adherence to certain principles. By dealing with disunity directly, valuing others above oneself, and taking disunity seriously, individuals can work towards resolving conflicts, promoting understanding, and fostering a sense of unity. These principles serve as a foundation for building strong relationships, effective teamwork, and a positive group dynamic. Remember, unity is not achieved overnight, but with patience, empathy, and dedication, it can be attained for the benefit of all involved.
As you strive to build unity in your group, consider exploring these principles in a welcoming and inclusive environment. We invite you to join us at our church, where you can find a supportive community that embraces these values and seeks to grow together in faith, love, and understanding. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms and open hearts.