Unity

Unity is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the harmonious relationship that God desires among His people and within His creation. The concept of unity is rooted in the nature of God Himself, who is one (Deuteronomy 6:4). This divine unity is reflected in the call for believers to live in harmony with one another, as seen in the New Testament.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of unity within the body of Christ. In Ephesians 4:3-6 , Paul urges believers 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 basis for unity, rooted in the oneness of God and the shared faith of believers.

Unity is also a reflection of the love that believers are called to exhibit. In John 17:21 , Jesus prays for His followers, "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, as 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, as described in Acts 2:44-47 : "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. With one accord, they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." This passage illustrates the practical outworking of unity in the sharing of resources and mutual support.

Justice

Justice is a fundamental attribute of God and a key principle in the biblical narrative. The Bible portrays God as a just judge who upholds righteousness and equity. In Deuteronomy 32:4 , God is described as "the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He."

The call for justice is woven throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the Law and the Prophets. The Mosaic Law contains numerous provisions for justice, emphasizing fair treatment and protection for the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, and foreigners (Exodus 22:21-24). The prophets frequently called Israel to repentance for failing to uphold justice, as seen in Micah 6:8 : "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

In the New Testament, justice is closely linked with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the spirit of the law over mere legalistic observance. In Matthew 23:23 , Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."

The early church continued to uphold the principle of justice, as seen in the epistles. James 1:27 defines pure religion as "to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This reflects the biblical mandate to care for those who are marginalized and to live a life of integrity.

In summary, unity and justice are intertwined themes in the Bible, reflecting God's character and His desire for His people to live in harmony and righteousness. These principles are foundational to the Christian faith and are to be actively pursued by believers in their personal lives and communities.