“Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Ps. 133:1 NKJ).

Have you ever wondered about Jesus’ prayer for unity: …that they all may be one….even as we are one (John 17:21-22)? Have you ever questioned how this unification could ever be realized? What is it going to take to see unity come to the fragmented and divided Body of Christ?

The good news is: it is going to happen! Every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we speed the day of its fulfillment. “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” is a request that is sure to be granted. Jesus never prayed a prayer that was not answered.

Some people feel it will take global persecution to unify the Church. “Just put the saints before a firing squad,” they say, “and they will settle their differences in a hurry.” Some even point out how persecution in Communist countries is bringing the saints together.

I feel God would get more glory from a unity based on internal love than one based on external coercion. We seem to be saying, “Lord, You can’t unify us with the message of love and forgiveness. You’ll have to do it with the threat of extermination.” I don’t really believe God’s grace, mercy, and love are exalted by a unity which comes only through martyrdom.

One translation of this verse reads: “What a wonderful thing it is when brothers live together in harmony.” Remember: the closer we get to the Lord, the closer we get to each other! Our Lord prayed that we would be one. “…has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num. 23:19 NKJ). Unity is coming!