I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 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. – Ephesians 4:1-3

Every time I open a social media app lately, it seems like division among believers just won’t go away. I often feel discouraged by and even tempted to join the constant conflict in the Church, much of which revolves around issues that won’t matter in eternity. I frequently have to realign my focus, remembering God’s call for me to be an agent of peace and unity—especially online, where it’s so easy to forget the humanity of others.

Recently, in my devotional time, Paul’s words to the Ephesians gave me two key reminders. First, unity typically doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intentional effort. And second, God both delights in and is glorified by our unity (Psalm 133:1). It all really hit home for me…that these encouragements may not be overt commands, but they should be taken seriously if we’re truly seeking to magnify Jesus.

It’s not easy though–I have to admit. The culture in which we currently find ourselves seems to thrive on polarization. There’s this persistent pressure to pick sides, discredit others, and let differences drive us apart. But the Bible tells us that unity is a distinguishing mark of God’s people and affirms that humbly pursuing unity—not relentlessly arguing—models Jesus to a watching (and dying) world.

And if the world is going to see Him in us, it won’t be because we win debates in the comment section or because we plant our flag on the moral high ground. It certainly won’t be because we mask hostility as “righteous anger” either. It’ll be because we reflect the sacrificial love of Jesus. It’ll be because we use our freedom in Christ to let go of trivial offenses and pursue peace, for the sake of the gospel. 

Lately I keep asking myself, who am I actually serving?(Joshua 24:15). Am I making room for unity or shaking hands with division. Can you relate to this dilemma? Because when it comes to Christian unity, there’s simply no room for neutrality. So let’s unfriend division.