Unity—found five times in five verses
Variations: unite, united, unity; Note: The word one may also be used to denote the same concept (John 17:11) though this study is limited to the actual use of the word unity or unite.
Defined: the state or property of being one
First usage: Genesis 49:6 (united)
Last usage: Ephesians 4:13 (unity)
Interesting fact: Unity was obviously of the utmost importance to Christ. The Lord’s prayer is found in John chapter 17. In that prayer, the Lord Jesus placed a great deal of emphasis on the unity of those believers who would be left after His departure. Four times the Saviour asked of His Father that the disciples could know unity like that of the Son and the Father (John 17:11, 21-23). In the same spirit, the Saviour said that all men would know the disciples were His followers by their love one for another (John 13:35).
Bible study tip: Pay attention to details when judgment is suggested or meted out in scripture. Oftentimes, the resulting judgment is specific to the practice that called for the judgment. For example, the Galatian believers were being troubled primarily over the matter of circumcision (a circular cutting). So what was Paul’s response to those who were troubling the Galatians? He said, “I would they were even cut off which trouble you” (Galatians 5:12). The judgment was equated to the practice itself.
Sunday, Day 316—Church Day (no devotional)
Monday, Day 317—Though Hand Join in Hand
Tuesday, Day 318—How Good and How Pleasant
Wednesday, Day 319—Church Night (no devotional)
Thursday, Day 320—Endeavouring to Keep the Unity
Friday, Day 321—Sowing Discord
Saturday, Day 322—The Peace of the Perfect Man