Unity is often equated with uniformity in our society. In order to limit discord and meet everyone’s needs, the same rights and duties exist for all. However, these aspirations not only lead to the loss of individuality, they also fail to do justice to the individual, as there is no generic good for all. A history of communism displays many negative examples of this.

Jesus teaches us the kind of unity which encompasses diversity and differences – an image of the body. God’s Word, like nature, shows us that in a healthy body all organs complement and support each other, so that in unison they function at their best, forming a strong and fruitful body.

To put this into action, individuals need mutual esteem, respect, trust and conscience to play their role in achieving a common aim. These qualities are clear to all of us, as we can all see that they conform with how God created us to be. Paul tells the Philippians,

“Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not for his own interests, but for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:2-4