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Unity Through Divine Design
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In Genesis chapter 2, God put his final touches on all of Creation by creating humanity. God did not create them with children so that they would experience the joy and responsibility of nurturing and growing life, just as they cared for the Garden of Eden. The Garden of Eden was their home, a place of abundance and divine connection. Genesis 2 ends with an emphasis on unity in relationships, drawing inspiration from Scripture to guide us in living harmoniously with one another.
The Divine Plan Unfolds
“Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.” Genesis 2:15 (NASB1995)
Within the confines of the Garden of Eden, Adam had everything he needed to thrive. He enjoyed a unique relationship with God, walking and talking with Him. His interaction with God was not one of dominance but partnership. Adam was entrusted with the task of managing and caring for all aspects of the Earth, under God’s guidance. It was clear that unity and cooperation were foundational to God’s plan.
God’s Perfect Partner
“Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.'” Genesis 2:18 (NASB1995)
While Adam worked diligently, it became evident that he needed a companion who could share in his purpose. Eve was created as a partner, someone who would stand alongside Adam, complementing and supporting him. It was God’s intention for them to experience a deep, unified bond. This partnership was not merely about assistance but about the oneness of their being, a beautiful union reflecting the divine nature of God Himself.
Disunity Personified
As God brought man and woman together inside of His community, they experienced life on a level that few experience today. There were no barriers between God and humanity, until disunity entered the garden.
The snake excelled at craftiness and in Genesis 3, the man and the woman listened to the voice of the snake and damaged God’s perfect unity between Himself and humanity. From that moment on, the unity between the God of Creation and Humanity would continue to degrade despite God’s attempts to bring a group of humans back into unity.
Jesus’ Message of Unity
“…that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” John 17:21 (NASB1995)
Jesus’ earthly ministry emphasized the significance of unity in a divided world. He taught that unity was a reflection of the divine nature. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit exist in perfect harmony and oneness. Jesus lived out this unity, demonstrating the possibility of living in perfect unity with God and one another. Unity was not about uniformity but about a shared purpose and love that bound them together.
Restoring God’s Design
“being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3 (NASB1995)
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus made a way for humanity to be reconciled to God’s perfect unity. The Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disunity and disharmony in societies and individuals. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to empower and guide us into the unity of faith. This divine presence within us enables us to live in unity with God and with one another, fostering healthy relationships in our families, friendships, and communities.
Practical Steps Towards Unity
As believers, we have the privilege and responsibility to cultivate unity in our relationships. Here are 5 practical ways we can apply the principles of unity in our daily lives:
- Pursue Humbleness: Follow Christ’s example of humility and selflessness, considering others as more important than ourselves.
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;” Philippians 2:3
- Extend Forgiveness: Forgive as Christ forgave us, releasing grudges and fostering reconciliation.
“…bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” Colossians 3:13.
- Embrace Love: Love one another deeply, for love covers a multitude of sins and binds us together.
“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8.
- Practice Communication: Communicate openly and honestly, seeking understanding and resolving conflicts in a spirit of grace and truth.
“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” Ephesians 4:25-27.
- Cultivate Empathy: Seek to understand the perspectives and feelings of others, showing compassion and kindness.
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;” Colossians 3:12.
Conclusion
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 (NASB1995)
Living in unity is God’s desire for us. By embracing the principles of unity found in Scripture and relying on the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, we can experience harmonious relationships with our spouses, children, friends, and neighbors. Let us remember that unity is not simply a lofty ideal but a tangible expression of our faith and a powerful testimony to the world around us.
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