A Church That Looks Like Heaven
In a world shaped by division, polarization and isolation, the Church is called to something radically different: unity. At our small but vibrant and diverse church, we see a glimpse of that calling lived out—a living picture of what Jesus prayed for in John 17:21: “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us.”
Honoring Our Differences
Our congregation is a mosaic of cultures, languages, ages and theological backgrounds. Some of us are first-generation immigrants, each bringing unique stories, traditions and perspectives. And yet, what unites us is stronger than what sets us apart—a shared love for Jesus and a deep desire to honor Him as the head of the Church. We believe He has brought us together not just to worship, but to grow, serve and be sent as one body.
This kind of unity doesn’t ignore our differences—it sees them, respects them and learns from them. True unity in Christ isn’t about sameness. It’s about diverse people held together by love. As 1 Corinthians 12 reminds us, the Spirit forms one body out of many parts, each with a vital role to play.
Of course, unity isn’t automatic. Christian unity has always faced challenges—pride, deep divisions in society and the pain of past and present injustices. The same barriers we see in the world—racial tension, political division and cultural misunderstanding—can easily creep into the Church if we’re not intentional. But Scripture offers a better way. Ephesians 4:3 urges us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”Colossians 3:14 reminds us that “over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Working Together
We see the heart of Jesus on display whenever believers come together to serve, pray and respond with compassion—whether across continents or in our own communities. From organizations that provide clean water, fight human trafficking, support foster families and plant churches in unreached places, to local congregations joining forces for outreach, worship nights or shared meals, these efforts reflect the kind of unity Jesus prayed for. They remind us that what brings us together in Him is far greater than anything that could divide us.
This kind of unity isn’t something we create on our own. It’s a gift from Christ, nurtured by the Spirit and rooted in the Gospel. We don’t have to agree on every detail to walk together in love and purpose. Our unity begins not with platforms or policies but at the foot of the cross.
Living Like the Body
So what does this mean for us as a church? It means continuing to open our hearts to one another, celebrating our differences as gifts and holding tight to what we have in common: Jesus. It means standing firm in truth but sharing it with gentleness and humility. And it means praying that the unity we experience here will ripple outward—to other churches, to our city and to a world watching for hope.
Unity isn’t easy. It’s often spiritual warfare. But it’s also our witness. Every time we choose love over preference, understanding over suspicion and togetherness over tribalism, we show the world what it means to be one body under one Lord. As Romans 15:5–6 encourages us: “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
May we be a church that lives Jesus’ prayer—that we may all be one.
Amy Luinstra
Deacon
