Unity

Unity is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the harmonious relationship that God desires among His people. The concept of unity is rooted in the nature of God Himself, who is one (Deuteronomy 6:4). In the New Testament, unity is emphasized as a vital characteristic of the body of Christ, the Church.

The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the importance of unity among believers. In Ephesians 4:3-6, he urges the church to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." This passage highlights the theological foundation for unity, rooted in the oneness of God and the shared faith of believers.

Unity is also a reflection of the prayer of Jesus for His followers. In John 17:21, Jesus prays "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 sent Me." This prayer underscores the missional aspect of unity, suggesting that the unity of believers serves as a testimony to the world of the truth of the Gospel.

The early church exemplified unity in their communal life. Acts 2:44-47 describes how "all the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." This unity was not merely spiritual but also practical, as believers shared their resources to meet each other's needs.

Consideration

Consideration, or the act of being thoughtful and attentive to the needs and feelings of others, is a biblical virtue that complements unity. The Bible calls believers to exhibit consideration in their interactions with one another, fostering an environment of love and mutual respect.

Philippians 2:3-4 instructs believers to "do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage emphasizes humility and selflessness as key components of consideration, encouraging believers to prioritize the well-being of others.

The Apostle Paul also addresses consideration in Romans 14, where he discusses the importance of being sensitive to the convictions of fellow believers. In Romans 14:13, he writes, "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." Here, consideration involves being mindful of how one's actions may affect the faith and conscience of others.

Consideration is further exemplified in the life of Jesus, who consistently demonstrated compassion and empathy. In Matthew 9:36, Jesus is described as having compassion on the crowds, "because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." His ministry was marked by a deep awareness of the needs of those around Him, setting an example for believers to follow.

In the context of the church, consideration fosters an atmosphere of love and unity. Colossians 3:12-14 encourages believers to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." This passage highlights how consideration, expressed through love and forgiveness, contributes to the unity of the body of Christ.