In today’s fast-paced world, the way Christians view love and unity has become a topic of increasing importance. Many churches and believers have adopted teachings that, while rooted in tradition, can sometimes drift away from the core message of the Bible. It’s time to step back and consider what Jesus actually intended when He spoke about love and unity and why it’s crucial for Christians to re-examine these concepts today.
First, let’s look at love. When Jesus said, “Love one another, even as I have loved you” (John 13:34), He wasn’t talking about a surface-level, “I care about you” kind of love. He was talking about an active, selfless love that puts others first, one that sees beyond personal gain and seeks the well-being of the other. Yet, when we look at how love is practiced in many Christian circles, it’s often just a comforting sentiment or a way to keep the peace rather than a transformative, sacrificial act. We’re told to love our neighbors and even our enemies, but living this out consistently can be challenging.
Now consider unity. The New Testament is filled with instructions urging Christians to be unified. Paul calls believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Unity isn’t just about agreeing on theology; it’s about being united in purpose, working together as one body with Christ as the head. Sadly, the reality is that many churches today are fractured, not only by differences in belief but by disagreements, competition, and even outright conflict. The result is a fragmented body that doesn’t represent the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17:21: “That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”
Why is this happening? One reason is that man-made traditions and interpretations have become more influential than the teachings of the Bible. We have allowed our personal beliefs, cultural norms, and denominational loyalties to overshadow what God has actually said. This can lead to division and a watered-down version of love that’s more about appearances than genuine care.
To bring about real change, Christians need to look beyond traditions and embrace the simple, powerful truths of the Bible. Loving others as Jesus did and striving for unity within the body of believers doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentional action and a willingness to put God’s teachings above everything else. Only then can we create a community that embodies the love and unity God intended, drawing others to Him and standing as a true representation of His heart.
