As followers of Christ, we are called to unity and when we unite regardless of color, age, disability, culture, or class, we are shining examples of Jesus’ love in this world.
Unity is not the absence of differences; it’s the absence of division. It all starts with us taking time to sit down at the table to have a conversation with people different than us. When we truly hear each other and see each other through the lens of empathy, the things that seem to divide us can become the things that bring us closer.
As our nation and our world wrestle with discrimination and unity, we want to provide a Christian perspective on these issues. We pray that the Scriptures, and other resources on this website spark meaningful and life-giving conversations with the people all around you.
Together, let’s continue praying for unity and the ability to regard each other’s spirits, not flesh, for who we truly are—unique and beautiful creations of our amazing God.
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14
What Does the Bible Say?
Jesus shared that one of His greatest commandments is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). As we as Christians seek God’s wisdom for how to approach issues of racism and unity, there is no better place to look than God’s Word.
HOW CHRISTIANS SHOULD RESPOND
- Put your trust in the Lord.As believers, our hope is not in a party or a candidate; our hope is in a King named Jesus. No matter the outcome of an election, our trust is in the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth (Proverbs 3:5).
- Vote biblical values.God sits on a throne of righteousness and justice, not righteousness or justice. As Christians, we don’t simply follow a party; we follow Jesus and need to vote based on biblical principles from His Word (Exodus 18:21; Psalm 89:14).
- Pray for those in leadership.In the Bible, Paul tells Timothy to pray for kings and all in authority. Whether or not your preferred candidate is in office, we are called to intercede on their behalf (1 Timothy 2:1–5).
- Be a unifying voice.You will find God’s blessings where there is unity. In this polarizing climate, we can choose to be a voice that refuses to perpetuate division and instead intentionally builds bridges. Unity begins with “U” (Psalm 133).
- Be the Church.We are the body of Christ—His hands and feet in this world. Although we honor our government, Jesus didn’t say He would build a government that the gates of hell would not prevail against. He said, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” As God’s people, we are called to be salt and light—ambassadors of His kingdom. Let’s be a city on a hill and a beacon of light, love, and hope in our world (Matthew 5:13–16, 16:18; 1 Corinthians 12:27).
MORE SCRIPTURES ON UNITY
- Leviticus 19:33–34 (NLT)“Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
- Psalm 103:6 (NLT)The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
- John 17:11 (ESV)“And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.”
- Acts 10:34–35 (NLT)Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.”
- Acts 17:26 (NLT)“From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.”
- Romans 12:16 (ESV)Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.
- 1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV)I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
- 1 Corinthians 12:13 (ESV)For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 12:26 (ESV)If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
- Galatians 3:28 (ESV)There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 2:14–18 (NLT)For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.
- Ephesians 4:2–5 (ESV)with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism … .
- Philippians 2:1–5 (NIV)Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus … .
- Colossians 3:11 (ESV)Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
- Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
- 1 Peter 3:8 (ESV)Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
- Revelation 7:9 (NLT)After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands.
Other Resources
Books
Note: The opinions expressed in the following resources belong solely to the authors and may not entirely align with our beliefs as a church.
BOOKS FOR ADULTS
Be the Bridge by Latasha Morrison
Insider Outsider by Bryan Loritts
Oneness Embraced: Reconciliation, the Kingdom, and How We are Stronger Together by Tony Evans
The Third Option by Miles McPherson
United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity by Trillia J. Newbell
BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
ColorFull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us by Dorena Williamson
God Made Me and You: Celebrating God’s Design for Ethnic Diversity by Shai Linne
God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia J. Newbell