The 5 A’s of Unity
We can learn SO much from one another! Today’s article is adapted from my friend and fellow Tucson pastor, John Smith. Faith Christian Fellowship of Tucson (which soon will have a new name, Goodness Family Church) is ALL IN when it comes to John 17 unity! This content is taken from a sermon outline preached there.
Unity is seen in our Attitudes, Actions, Affection, Atmosphere, and Agreement. All of these unity displays can be found in Colossians 3:12-17.
Attitudes
Verse 12 lists five attitudes of unity, each of which could be an entire sermon series: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Since I (Dave) have written about several of these in the past, I’ll be brief here now, but wouldn’t you agree that where those five attitudes are in place, the likelihood for John 17 unity/harmony is high?
Actions
Verse 13 describes the central actions of unity - extending grace and forgiveness. This text was one of our wedding texts nearly 37 years ago, and any opportunity we’ve been given to talk about the keys to a healthy and growing marriage, we’ve usually come back to this - extending grace and forgiveness. I can’t imagine how two broken people could ever find wholeness together apart from Jesus. The same grace and forgiveness needed in marriage are what keeps every other layer of relationship healthy and growing: family, small groups, congregations, City Church, and beyond.
Affection
Verse 14 was sung by our pastor at our wedding! And he’s not a singer! Both Val and I had been involved with Vacation Bible School at the church, and one of the kids’ songs was based on verse 14. “Put on love, every day…” The clothing we wear as brothers and sisters in Christ is agape - unconditional love and affection. Agape is more a choice than an emotion, so likening it to putting on clothing makes great sense. We choose what to pull out of our wardrobes, and in Christ we can invite Holy Spirit to clothe us in love in every situation.
Atmosphere
According to verse 15, peace is the atmosphere of unity. Peace is the opposite of striving. I’ve shared repeatedly how John 15 abiding is the key to John 17 uniting. Abiding in Christ brings peace, because Jesus does the work and our job is to actively surrender and allow Him. Peace isn’t kicking back - it’s a conscious effort to allow Jesus to drive. And when we do, peace results. Peace is the atmosphere of unity.
Agreement
Verse 16 of Colossians 3 is like verse 17 of John 17 - agreement doesn’t mean that we’ll all just naturally agree. And it certainly doesn’t mean that we can only be united with those with whom we agree on everything. “Teaching and admonishing one another” is the phrase in Colossians. “Sanctify us in the truth; Your Word is truth” is the petition in John 17. Agreement is what comes through speaking the truth in love to one another. We all have blind spots, and we need others to help us see ours. The agreement may be that there are different perspectives in the same Body, by the design of the Creator, and so we’ll agree to disagree. But Truth reigns supreme, so the pursuit of truth is kept in tension with a life in unity.
Thanks John! And Apostle Paul!
