John 17:21 (NIV) that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
Barbara A. Lewis tells excellent a story in her article, Why Unity is Important. The story is told of a young boy who visits his uncle, a lumberjack. At the lumber camp, the boy notices a massive tree standing alone on the top of a hill. He enthusiastically points the tree out to his uncle, saying, “Look at that big tree! It will make a lot of good lumber, won’t it?” His uncle looks at the boy and shakes his head. “No, son, that tree will not make a lot of good lumber. It might make a lot of lumber but not a lot of good lumber. When a tree grows off by itself, too many branches grow on it. Those branches produce knots when the tree is cut into lumber. The best lumber comes from trees that grow together in groves. The trees also grow taller and straighter when they grow together.”
Drawing a lesson from this story, Elder Henry D. Taylor (1903–87) said: “It is so with people. We become better individuals, more useful timber when we grow together rather than alone.”
Charles Spurgeon said: “Satan always hates Christian fellowship; it is his policy to keep Christians apart. Anything which can divide saints from one another he delights in. He attaches far more importance to godly intercourse than we do. Since union is strength, he does his best to promote separation.”
“No one is perfect—there are always going to be little things that people disagree about. Nevertheless, we should always get on our knees together and seek to maintain the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace” – John F. MacArthur Jr
Ephesians 4:3 (NLT) Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT) I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.
Psalm 133:1 (NLT) How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!
Ephesians 4:4-6 (MSG) You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.
I conclude with 1 Peter 3:8 (NLT) Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.