Where There Is Unity God Commands A Blessing
Unity is a powerful force. When people come together in harmony and common purpose, incredible things can happen. This principle finds its roots in scripture, where we learn that God bestows special favor and blessings wherever there is unity.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: God promises extra spiritual empowerment, joy, and success when believers live and work in unity. Scripture, especially the New Testament, makes it clear unity brings God’s blessings.
In this article, we’ll explore the biblical foundation for the idea that God blesses unity. We’ll look at key verses and passages on unity, examine examples of unity and blessing in the Bible, consider why unity attracts God’s blessing, and discuss how to cultivate unity in a way that draws God’s favor.
The Biblical Basis for the Blessing of Unity
Psalm 133 – God’s Blessing on Brotherly Unity
Psalm 133 emphasizes the preciousness and pleasantness when God’s people live together in unity. Like precious oil poured on the head running down Aaron’s beard and the dew of Hermon falling on Mount Zion, unity brings joy and delight that God commands His blessing (Psalm 133:1-3).
This imagery illustrates the overflowing blessings God pours out when His children dwell in harmony.
John 17 – Jesus’ Prayer for His Disciples’ Unity
In John 17, Jesus passionately prayed for His disciples to be one just as He and the Father are one, so that the world may believe the Father sent Him (John 17:20-23). Jesus longed for His followers’ perfect unity modeled after the Godhead’s sublime oneness, knowing disunity hinders evangelism while unity validates our witness.
Ephesians 4 – Walk in Unity, Attain to the Whole Measure of Christ
Paul urged the Ephesians to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3). As Christians walk worthy of their calling in humility, patience and love, Christ-centered unity enables maturity and growth to Christ’s full stature (Ephesians 4:13).
Division stunts growth, while Spirit-knitted unity catalyzes advancement into Christlikeness.
Acts 2 – The Early Church Experiences Blessing Through Unity
After Pentecost, the first believers “were together and had everything in common” as they met, ate, prayed, gave, and worshipped collectively (Acts 2:42-47). Their beautiful unity in the Spirit brought joyful fellowship, miracles, favor, salvation, and growth as Christ added daily to their number (Acts 2:47).
By prioritizing koinonia in sacrificial agape love, the early church flourished through the power of oneness.
Whether enjoying intimacy at home (Psalm 133), attaining maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4), proving our message to the world (John 17), or catalyzing revival (Acts 2), Scripture resounds with the truth that God commands blessing where brethren dwell in unity.
As Christ’s Body and Bride, may we lay aside selfishness and humbly come together in the bond of peace, that His overflowing blessings may be unleashed.
Why Does Unity Bring God’s Blessing?
Unity Reflects God’s Nature
The Bible teaches that God Himself is a unified being – three Persons in one (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). This unity within diversity reflects God’s very nature. When believers live in unity, they display God’s character to the watching world.
Jesus prayed that His followers would be one just as He and the Father are one, so that the world may know God sent Him (John 17:21).
Unity Magnifies Spiritual Power
Unity has a multiplying effect on spiritual influence and authority. Psalm 133 says when believers dwell in unity, God commands a blessing, even life forevermore. Jesus taught that if two believers agree in prayer concerning anything they ask, it will be done by the Father (Matthew 18:19).
There is supernatural power and blessing when God’s people unite in Spirit-led prayer.
Unity Testifies to Christ
Jesus said when His disciples are united in love as He has loved them, all people will know they are His disciples (John 13:35). Our love and unity give evidence that we belong to Christ and have been changed by His transforming power.
As believers lay down differences and join together in serving God’s purposes, this brings glory to Jesus.
Cultivating True Unity That Attracts God’s Blessing
Focus on Christ Above All Else
When believers fix their eyes on Jesus, petty differences and selfish ambitions fade away (Hebrews 12:2). As we follow Christ’s example of humility and self-sacrifice, we become united in His love (Philippians 2:1-8).
Regular Bible study and prayer help us see each other as God sees us – as equally valued children in His family (Galatians 3:28). Online resources like BibleGateway and church small groups facilitate focusing our minds on Jesus together.
Emphasize Our Common Ground
Despite secondary doctrinal differences, all true believers share faith in Christ as Lord and Savior. When we major on the majors – the core truths of the gospel – it builds spiritual unity across denominations and backgrounds.
Initiatives like The Gospel Coalition and Lausanne Movement assemble Christians globally around our common mission to make disciples.
Value Each Person’s Contribution
Every believer has a unique spiritual gift and role to play in Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). As we honor the diversity of gifts and personalities God made, unity flourishes. Programs like spiritual gift assessments help believers discover their purpose.
Small groups that delegate tasks based on gifting rather than rigid roles tap into the full potential of each member.🙌 Appreciating variety in worship styles, outreach methods, and cultural expressions also celebrates what God is doing across the global church.
Regularly Pray and Fellowship Together
Shared experiences build shared vision and values. Churches that institute regular times of corporate prayer and fellowship like potlucks or service projects find that relationships unite members deeply in the faith.
Even virtual prayer meetings during the pandemic drew believers together through common cares and petitions. The unity of the early church sprouted from being daily together in the temple and breaking bread house to house (Acts 2:46-47).
Truly knowing one another face-to-face cultivated their spiritual oneness.
Conclusion
Scripture clearly reveals the connection between blessing and unity. When believers unite in the bonds of Christ, aligning their hearts and lives around Him, God pours out spiritual vitality and power.
As we make every effort to preserve unity, avoid division, and bring harmony to our relationships and ministry endeavors, we can trust God to supernatural bless and sustain the good work He began in us.
By clinging to Christ first and foremost, celebrating shared faith over differences, honoring each person’s part, and committing to regular prayer and fellowship, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of blessing God desires for His people.