2. How important is church unity?

Jesus is the head of the body, which represents His church; therefore, unity is essential. Without unity the church would fail to accomplish its sacred mission of sharing the gospel with the world while representing God’s character of love, inclusion, and equality. Unity among believers of differing personalities, temperaments, and dispositions witnesses to the power of God’s Word to transform lives. JTL24 4.1

On the other hand, conflict, and disunity among professed Christians may be the greatest obstacle preventing unbelievers from accepting the Christian faith. True unity among believers defuses this obstacle. Jesus said, unity is major evidence to the world that He is a transforming Savior (John 17:23). The unified church is the panacea to a society divided by culture, gender, race, religion, politics, economics, class, caste, tribe, and nationality. As members grow closer to Christ, cultural differences are no longer divisive; instead, members recognize they are all equal and hold one another in respect and esteem. Christ is the yoke that binds members together. JTL24 4.2