A distinguishing characteristic of God's people, which derives from their common relationship with God, and is expressed in commitment to one another, mutual concern, concerted action and harmony within the believing community.
Unity in a common relationship with God
As children of God
Malachi 2:10 See also Psalm 133:1; Matthew 23:8–9; Romans 8:15–17; Colossians 1:2, Colossians 1:12; 1 John 5:1
Do we not all have one Father? Did not one God create us? Why then do we break faith with one another so as to profane the covenant of our fathers?
As the people of God
1 Peter 2:9–10 See also Exodus 6:7, Exodus 19:5–6; Deuteronomy 7:6; 2 Samuel 7:24 parallel 1 Chronicles 17:22; Malachi 3:17; Ephesians 1:14; Hebrews 11:25
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Unity in a common union with Christ
1 Corinthians 10:16–17, 1 Corinthians 12:27 See also John 11:52; Romans 12:4–5; 1 Corinthians 12:12; Galatians 3:26–28; Ephesians 2:17–19, Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 3:11
Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.
Unity through common receiving of the Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 12:13 See also Isaiah 34:16; Acts 10:45–47; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 2:22; Hebrews 6:4
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.
Unity in a common faith
Ephesians 4:4–6 See also Ephesians 4:13; Titus 1:4; 1 John 1:1–3; Jude 1:3
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.
Expressions of unity among God's people
Commitment to one another
1 Samuel 18:1–4; Ruth 1:16–17; 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Sharing possessions
Acts 4:32 See also Luke 3:11; Acts 2:44–45; Romans 12:13, Romans 15:27; Galatians 6:6; 2 Timothy 2:6
The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned.
Giving support
Joshua 22:3 See also Deuteronomy 3:18; Hebrews 10:24–25
All this time you have not deserted your brothers, up to this very day, but have kept the charge given you by the LORD your God.
Sharing troubles
2 Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 4:14
Unity expressed in agreement with one another
Living in harmony
Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:3; 1 Peter 3:8 See also Romans 12:16, Romans 14:17; 1 Corinthians 10:24; Ephesians 4:25; Philippians 4:2; Colossians 1:12–14, Colossians 3:15
A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!
and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.
United in purpose
Philippians 1:27 See also Judges 20:11; 1 Samuel 14:7; Ezra 3:8–10; Nehemiah 4:6; Matthew 18:19–20
Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel,
Of one mind
1 Corinthians 1:10 See also 2 Chronicles 30:12; Philippians 2:2
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.
Unity expressed in worshipping together
Romans 15:5–6 See also Psalm 22:22, Psalm 68:26, Psalm 122:1; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Hebrews 2:12
Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Unity marks out God's people
John 17:21–23 See also John 13:34–35
that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one — I in them and You in Me — that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.