Champions for unity

The scriptures emphasize frequently the importance of unity. Nowhere is unity more important than in the family. “It is good to dwell together in unity” (Psalms 133:1).

We champion the cause of family unity in a world rampant with strife and division.

The apostle Paul said we should be “perfectly joined together” (1Cor. 1:10), “being of one accord, of one mind” (Phil. 2:2), and with “one mind striving together” (Phil. 1:27). Good advice then; good advice today.

If we’re not working together, we’re pulling apart.

The early believers in Christ were “of one heart and of one soul” (Acts 4:32). Alma taught the church “that there should be no contention one with another,” but that we should have our “hearts knit together in unity and love one towards another” (Mosiah 18:21.)

Maybe the virtue of family unity is more easily preached than put into daily practice. Selfishness and pride divide many families.

Gordon B. Hinckley provided valuable advice. He said that we ought to look for and accentuate the virtues, not the faults, of one another, based on respect and acceptance. He said, “If we will look for the virtues in one another and not the vices, there will be much more of happiness in the homes of our people. There will be far less of divorce, much less of infidelity, much less of anger and rancor and quarreling” (in Stand a Little Taller, p. 99).

We have to stifle the voices of insult, sarcasm, and criticism….especially toward members of our own family, who can sometimes feel like punching bags.

No matter what your age, be highly respectful of your parents, just as you would like your own children to respect you.

Few people pay enough attention to the pleadings of Christ in his great intercessory prayer to our Father in Heaven for the unity of his followers, that “they may be one, as we are” (John 17:11), “that they also may be one in us (John 17:21).

We can become “one,” in heart and soul, through unconditional love. We have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear.”           (1 John 4:18).