Christians United as One—Or Not

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Have you ever wondered why Christian denominations are not more united? Well, I certainly have, and I’ve found that this question is both challenging and complex. In a previous post, I discussed what it means to be a Christian. I emphasized that Christians should strive to reflect the character of Christ. Yet, when we look at the global Christian community, it’s clear that unity is often lacking.

Reasons for a Lack of Unity Among Christians

One major reason why Christians are not united is the presence of different beliefs, traditions, and practices. There are countless denominations within Christianity, each with its own interpretation of the Scriptures and unique approach to worship. This diversity sometimes creates divisions, rather than the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17:20-21. In one of His prayers, Jesus prayed for unity among His followers:

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
— John 17:20-21 [NKJV].

Why It Matters

Christian unity is not just an ideal; it is central to the message of Jesus. The lack of unity has real consequences for how believers represent Christ to the world. As a Christian, I find the divisions among us deeply troubling, and anyone who identifies with Christianity should feel the same.

Christianity is founded on the life, teachings, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who instructed us to love everyone—even those who oppose us. However, Christians sometimes act in ways that contradict these commands. A 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center found that nearly one in five Christians reported hearing racially insensitive comments within their congregations. In addition, political labeling has become increasingly prevalent. Recent studies show that a significant percentage of Christians identify their faith with political ideologies. This dangerous mix of politics and faith is not scriptural; therefore, it is not of God. It only creates tension and division within the body of Christ.

Whether through prejudice or political labeling, these behaviors reflect a departure from Jesus’ core teachings concerning love and unity. None of these scenarios is recorded in Scripture, and such actions undermine Christ’s message, widening the divide within Christianity. Jesus reminds us, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). He also emphasized that we should “Love our neighbor as ourselves” (Matthew 22:39). These scriptural principles reinforce the importance of compassion and unity, urging believers to rise above divisive behaviors and truly reflect the character of Christ.

It is important to remember that as Christians, we should strive to follow Jesus’ teachings—showing love, respect, and compassion to all people, regardless of our differences. Recognizing both the challenges and the efforts helps us approach the issue of unity with honesty and hope.

Diversity of Denominations and Doctrine

Multiple denominations make the concept of unity among Christians somewhat confusing. Denominational doctrine refers to the specific beliefs and practices that distinguish one denomination from another. For example, some denominations believe baptism should be performed by full immersion, while others practice sprinkling or infant baptism. These differences in doctrine and ritual often arise from unique interpretations of Scripture. However, the Bible cautions against relying solely on self-interpretation. The Amplified Version of the Bible states:

“No prophecy of Scripture is a matter of or comes from one’s own [personal or special] interpretation.”
— 2 Peter 1:20 [AMP]

Harmony or Denominational Doctrine

To truly understand why Christians are not more united, we must take an honest look at ourselves and consider what we are prioritizing. Should we place denominational doctrine above what the Bible teaches? Should we trust the interpreted doctrine of a man over God’s word?

I believe we can achieve unity among Christians when we place God’s word above human interpretations and denominational differences. Loving God, loving others, and living with humility and compassion should be at the top of our list of daily accomplishments. By allowing God’s message to guide us, rather than personal or denominational preferences, Christians can experience greater unity. The Apostle Paul encourages believers, saying,

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”  
—Ephesians 4:3 [NIV]

Steps to Achieve Christian Unity

Despite doctrinal differences, I believe Christians can achieve the unity that Jesus prayed for by initiating the following steps and putting them into practice through real-life scenarios:

• Focus on what unites us—faith in Jesus Christ, adherence to the Bible’s teachings, and a commitment to love God and others. Such efforts can encourage an inclusive mindset and mutual respect by highlighting common beliefs and values.
• Remember that God’s love extends to everyone—even those we disagree with. God loves all people, because God is love. He desires that we reach out to those with differing opinions, backgrounds, or beliefs. We should respectfully listen to other believers with opposing views and seek common ground. By taking these steps, Christians show that unity and compassion matter more than differences.
• Follow Christ’s example and teachings in Scripture. This could mean engaging in open dialogue about these shared values, which can help bridge doctrinal differences and promote greater biblical understanding among Christians. By discussing what unites us, we can find common ground and strengthen our bond.
• Work at pleasing God through obedience to His Word. In practice, this might involve supporting initiatives that reflect biblical principles—such as love, forgiveness, compassion, and service—regardless of denominational background. By acting on these values, we can demonstrate unity and purpose.

By embracing these practical steps, Christians can be more united. By creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, unity becomes a living reality. When we intentionally reach across divides, we reflect Christ’s love and inspire others to do the same.

United We Stand

Unity doesn’t necessarily mean uniformity. It can mean finding common ground and working together for a greater purpose, even when perspectives diverge. Therefore, let us commit to following Jesus’ teachings by showing love and respect to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, so that we can move toward greater unity and reflect Christ authentically to the world.

We can demonstrate this by listening to others—not condemning or demoralizing them, participating in community service together, and encouraging open dialogue that bridges our differences. These practical actions not only express Christ’s love but also help create a more united and compassionate Christianity.