By Venerable David Nwanekpe
Presented at the ADOTT Region 4 Clergy & Wife Meeting
Theme: One in Christ | Date: February 5, 2022 | Convener: Bishop Dr. Augustine Unigbe
Scripture Reference: John 17:20–26
A Lesson from the Classroom
Unity in the Church is often misunderstood. A story was told of a second-grade teacher who asked her students to bring an item representing their faith. One brought a rosary, another a dream catcher, another a Hanukkah candle—and a Southern Baptist child brought a chicken casserole. While humorous, this story highlights how our view of fellowship is sometimes reduced to potlucks and informal gatherings. True Christian unity is far deeper—and much more powerful.
I. The Power of Unity
In John 17, Jesus prays that all believers may be one, just as He and the Father are one. This divine unity isn’t about formality or social events—it’s an evangelistic force. Jesus didn’t say the world would be won by great preaching or music, but by the unity of believers.
“That they may all be one… so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.” — John 17:21
Unity speaks louder than words. The love, support, and acceptance we show one another is the testimony that draws the world to Christ.
II. The Prescription for Unity (UNITY Acronym)
U — Uplift
We must intentionally encourage and lift each other up. Jesus empowered His disciples, telling them they would take the gospel to the world. That uplifting spirit fueled their mission—and it should fuel ours.
N — Need
Unity grows when we meet one another’s needs. Like the child who shouted his prayer for a bike so Grandpa could hear, we too understand that God often uses others to bless us. Acknowledging our needs and helping others fosters unity.
I — Integrity
Jesus gave us His glory, calling us to live in holiness. Unity thrives in an environment of trust, purity, and spiritual integrity. As clergy and laity, we must reflect the glory and wholeness of Christ.
T — Trust
When there is integrity, trust follows. We work together in harmony when we trust each other to fulfill our God-given roles. Like the disciples, we serve, labor, and even suffer together for Christ’s mission.
Y — Yielding
Unity requires submission—first to Christ’s Lordship, and then to one another for the sake of the gospel. Yielding means setting aside personal desires for the greater cause: that the world may know Him.
Conclusion: Guard the Gate
Ancient China built the Great Wall to keep enemies out. Yet in the first 100 years, it was breached three times—not by force, but by bribery at the gate. The lesson? You can build strong defenses, but if unity is not protected, the enemy gets in.
The same is true for the Church. If we don’t value and guard our unity, we give the enemy a foothold. Let us pursue fellowship not just as a feeling—but as a sacred calling and divine defense.
🙏 Let us pray…
That we may be one in Christ, a unified body, a holy people—drawing the world to the Savior through our love.
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