The Road To: Unity

The road to: Unity

A Call to Christian Love

The familiar hymn, "We are One in the Spirit, We are One in the Lord," reminds us of a core Christian truth: "They’ll know we are Christians by our love."  Having just this week offered our thanks to God for our many blessings, this hymn raises a profound question: In a world of increasing division, are we truly one?  Is genuine unity even possible today, given the countless differing opinions we hold and are often very verbal about. This meditation asks how our beliefs and actions—our Christian love—can shape and define true unity.

Unity vs. Uniformity

It is crucial to understand that unity does not mean sameness. We are shaped by unique backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, resulting in a beautiful diversity. That diversity naturally leads to disagreement. The challenge is to honor these differences while answering Christ's call to be "one."

Spiritual unity is not passive; it takes effort. It asks us: Can we maintain peace and love while embracing real, often challenging, differences?

Are We Moving Together?

At times, it can feel like we are pulling in opposite directions rather than moving toward a shared goal. Consider the analogy of an orchestra: each instrument plays a distinct, unique part, but together—under a single conductor—they create harmony. This is the essence of faith in community. Each of us plays a distinct role in the greater symphony of Christian life.

Are we truly connected, like links in a chain, stronger together than apart? In a world rife with division, our shared experiences must connect us. Through shared prayer and humility, we seek meaning, not necessarily the same answers, but a shared approach rooted in love.

Our Christian Responsibility

We collaborate daily in our workplaces and personal lives; our faith should reflect the same teamwork and commitment. The true test of unity is how we engage when we disagree. Do we still strive for unity in the way we interact?

Arthur Brooks, Harvard University Professor and social scientist, offers a powerful, contemporary reminder for all of us:  “We don’t need to disagree less. We need to disagree better… not by standing up to the other side, but by standing up to those on our own side who say we must hate each other.”

Defining Christian Love

Christian love is the foundation of unity. It is defined by how we live, what we value, and whom we choose to serve. It is the living proof of our faith, fulfilling the promise: "They’ll know we are Christians by our love.”

Lord, I pray for unity and peace. 

May our values, actions, and goals reflect 

Your unconditional love for all people. Amen.

What is your prayer?  Please share your comments below.

Praying for you,

PB

Community Presbyterian Church (CPC) welcomes all people into God’s way of life and community.

“Community” means those we know well and those we hope to know, those sitting next to us in a pew, and those we encounter day by day. It’s large and expansivew. It’s small and intimate.

Community Presbyterian Church
32202 Del Obispo
San Juan Capistrano. CA 92675
949-493-1502 
info@sjcpres.org