The prayer of Jesus in John 17:20–23 for unity among believers was one of Jesus’ most fervent prayers. And this prayer, which was raised before His crucifixion, was not only for His disciples but for all who would believe in Him through their testimony, including each one of us today:

“ . . . that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (John 17:23).

This prayer reveals Christ’s desire for His followers to be united in purpose, mission, and love. Such unity reflects the unity that exists between the Father and the Son. This unity is a testament to the world that the gospel is true and transformative.

The apostle Paul reinforces this call to unity in his letters. Writing to the Ephesians, he exhorts the church to be “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, even as you were called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism; One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:3–6).

Paul’s emphasis on “one” highlights the interconnectedness of believers through their shared faith in Christ. Unity is not optional; it is foundational to the identity and mission of the Reform Movement and to the development of the character of each one of us as members of the body of Christ.

“The completeness of Christian character is attained when the impulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within. It is the atmosphere of this love surrounding the soul of the believer that makes him a savor of life unto life and enables God to bless his work.”3

Unity flows from a heart transformed by Christ, one that seeks to bless and uplift others rather than serve self.

One of the most compelling aspects of Christian unity is its ability to witness to the world. Jesus linked the unity of believers directly to the credibility of His mission:

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

When believers demonstrate genuine love, patience, and humility toward one another, it stands as irrefutable evidence of the gospel’s power. The attention of the inhabitants of this world marked by division and conflict, is drawn to the harmony and peace that characterize God’s people.

The early church exemplified this principle. Acts 2:42–47 describes the believers as being “of one accord,” sharing meals and resources with gladness and simplicity of heart. Their unity and love for one another not only strengthened their faith but also attracted others to Christ. As a result, “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47).

The Spirit of Prophecy comments on this unity saying that: “It is the will of God that union and brotherly love should exist among His people.”4 Only in this way can the church be a living, active agency to diffuse light to the world.

True unity has an evangelistic power that cannot be overstated. It is a living demonstration of the gospel; it’s a sermon far more eloquent than words.

Despite its importance, unity is often hindered by human weaknesses and failings. Pride, selfishness, prejudice, and lack of forgiveness are significant barriers. Ellen White warns:

“The cause of division and discord in families and in the church is separation from Christ.”5

When believers lose sight of Christ and focus on self, disunity follows as an inevitable result. The enemy of souls delights in sowing discord, knowing that division weakens the church’s witness.

The apostle Paul addressed these challenges in his letters to the early churches. The Corinthian church, for example, struggled with divisions over leadership and spiritual gifts. Paul admonished them:

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Overcoming the barriers to unity requires intentional effort, humility, and a willingness to prioritize the mission of Christ over personal preferences.

True unity among believers is impossible without a deep connection to Christ. Jesus said:

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

When believers abide in Christ, they are transformed into His likeness. They bear the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)—which fosters unity. Union with Christ is necessary in order for this happen. If we are in communion with God, we shall be channels through which His love will flow to others.

As believers experience God’s love, they are empowered to love and serve others. This selfless love is the glue that binds the church together.

Paul’s counsel in Philippians 2:2–4 provides practical steps for fostering unity:

”Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Unity requires humility, selflessness, and a willingness to serve. These qualities are cultivated through daily communion with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

“Strive earnestly for unity. Pray for it, work for it. It will bring spiritual health, elevation of thought, nobility of character, heavenly-mindedness, enabling you to overcome selfishness and evil surmisings, and to be more than conquerors through Him that loved you and gave Himself for you. Crucify self; esteem others better than yourselves. Thus you will be brought into oneness with Christ. Before the heavenly universe, and before the church and the world, you will bear unmistakable evidence that you are God’s sons and daughters. God will be glorified in the example that you set.”6

As the end of time approaches, the unity of God’s people will become even more critical:

“Union with Christ and with one another is our only safety in these last days.”7

The challenges and opposition that we believers will face in the last days will demand greater unity. Divisions within the church will weaken its ability to stand against the forces of evil. Unity within the church will make it an unstoppable force for good in proclaiming the everlasting gospel with power. Such a union motivates the believers to show to the world that they love God and are willing to obey Him even under the most trying circumstances that will come upon the church.

Revelation 14:6–12 describes the mission of the remnant church in the last days: to proclaim the three angels’ messages to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. This global mission requires the concerted effort of all believers, united in purpose and action.

The world is looking with keen interest to see what your faith and my faith is leading us to do, and our love for each other is an argument for the truth that no one can refute. And God calls for a united church, prepared to fight His battles and to endure the trials we will be facing in these last days.

Besides preparing us for the last events coming upon the church, this unity will also be the greatest evidence to the world of the truth of our message and the love of Christ that binds us together.

Unity is a cornerstone of a thriving and spiritually healthy church. In a world marked by division and individualism, the church is called to be a beacon of love, harmony, and cooperation. But fostering unity requires intentionality, grace, and practical action. Below are some key steps to build and maintain unity within a church community.

1. Focus on Christ-centered fellowship

Unity begins with a shared foundation in Jesus Christ.

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5, emphasis added).

When believers prioritize their relationship with Christ, they naturally grow closer to one another. Encourage regular opportunities for Christ-centered fellowship through Bible studies, prayer meetings, and missionary work.

2. Cultivate a culture of humility and forgiveness

Pride and unresolved conflicts are significant threats to unity. The source of most conflicts in the church today is the problem of self-centeredness—the problem of “what I like,” “what I want,” and “this is my opinion.” Let us teach and model humility by prioritizing others’ needs over personal preferences: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:3, 4).

In addition, we need to promote a culture of forgiveness by addressing grievances quickly and with grace. Encourage members to seek reconciliation and to forgive as the Lord has forgiven them: “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:13).

3. Encourage open and honest communication

Misunderstandings can quickly escalate into division when communication is lacking. Create spaces for open dialogue where members feel heard and respected. This might include church meetings with questions and answers, small group discussions, periodical church business meetings or anonymous feedback forms.

“That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate” (1 Timothy 6:18, emphasis added).

Leaders should set an example by being approachable and transparent in their communication.

4. Appreciate the diversity of gifts

Unity does not mean uniformity. Genuinely appreciate the diversity of gifts, backgrounds, and perspectives within the church. Embrace the truth of 1 Corinthians 12:12–14:

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.”

This Bible passage reminds us that the body of Christ is made up of many different parts, each with a unique role. So, being united doesn’t mean that we will all like the same color or have the same taste for everything. The church needs people with opinions and taste different from my own, yet who still believe and agree in doctrine, having the same goal of serving God and leading souls to Christ. By valuing and leveraging diversity, the church becomes stronger and more effective in its mission.

5. Serve together

Shared service fosters a sense of purpose and camaraderie. Organizing opportunities for the congregation to serve both within the church and in the wider community promotes these benefits. Whether it’s a local outreach event, mission trip, or volunteering in church ministries, working together toward a common goal strengthens relationships and deepens unity.

“They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.

So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved” (Isaiah 41:6, 7).

If we serve together we will encourage one another and our faith will be strengthened.

6. Provide strong leadership

Leaders play a crucial role in fostering unity: “And there shall be, like people, like priest” (Hosea 4:9) They must consistently promote a vision of togetherness, address conflicts promptly, and set an example of humility and love. Leaders should also equip others to lead, ensuring that no one feels excluded from contributing to the life of the church.

7. Pray for unity

There is a saying which states that “the couple who prays together, remains together.” That’s also true for church members who pray together for unity.

While praying for unity we will be following the example of Jesus, whom as we saw, prayed for unity among the believers (John 17:21–23).

Prayer is essential in maintaining unity. Encourage the congregation to pray for one another and for the church as a whole. Corporate prayer meetings focused on unity can be powerful, as they align the hearts of the members with God’s will.

8. Educate on biblical principles of unity

We must stand for Bible principles and even be willing to die, if necessary, to be faithful to God. At the same time, we need to be willing to yield to the preference or opinion of others if it is not about principles. (We need to empty the heart of selfishness.)

Teach regularly on what Scripture says about unity, love, and community. Sermons, workshops, and Bible studies can provide the theological foundation needed to understand why unity matters and how to pursue it practically, based on the Word of God.

9. Address divisive issues with wisdom

Churches are not immune to disagreements. When divisive issues arise, address them promptly and with wisdom. Use a biblical framework for conflict resolution, such as the principles outlined in Matthew 18:15–17:

“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”

How do we treat a heathen or a publican when they visit our church? Let us maintain the same spirit of grace and kindness to those among us who have erred, and let us seek solutions that honor Christ and the unity of His body.

10. Encourage relationships across generations

Intergenerational relationships bring richness to the church. Foster opportunities for mentorship, shared activities, and fellowship that bridge generational gaps. Younger members can learn from the wisdom of older members, while older members can be inspired by the energy and fresh perspectives of the younger generation.

God wants the different generations with their distinctive dynamics of energy, knowledge, and experience working unitedly:

“I write unto you, little children, because . . .

I write unto you, fathers, because . . .

I have written unto you, young men, because . . .”

(1 John 2:12–14).

A friend of mine who was about to lose his faith after having some misunderstandings with some brethren in the church told me: “I don’t believe people leave the Reform Movement because of doctrine.” His case led me to think about how many souls have lost their faith—regardless of what they say—acually because of disunity among the believers. Disunity can kill a church; unity makes a church successful in fulfilling its task of leading souls to Christ.

Fostering unity in the church is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment. It requires intentionality, patience, and a reliance on the Holy Spirit. By implementing these practical steps, churches can create an environment where love and harmony flourish, making them a powerful testimony to the world of God’s transforming grace. As Psalm 133:1 reminds us: ”How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

Through His word, Christ appeals to you and me at this moment to make a purpose in our heart, by His grace to do all we can to fulfill His prayer and be united with our brethren.

“Do not murmur nor find fault. Looking unto Jesus, the image of Christ is engraven upon the soul and reflected back in spirit, in words, in true service for our fellow beings. Christ’s joy is in our hearts, and our joy is full. This is true religion. Let us make sure to obtain it, and to be kind, to be courteous, to have love in the soul—that kind of love which flows forth and is expressed in good works, which is a light to shine to the world, and which makes our joy full.”8

So, please make these words your own: Starting now, by Christ’s grace I will not murmur nor find fault in my brethren. I will be kind, be courteous, have love in my soul and not backbite, gossip or slander anyone. I will be united and harmony with my brethren and as much as possible live in peace with all men (Romans 12:18). In Jesus’ name, Amen.