Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (1 Peter 3:8 ESV)

This year has brought challenges none of us ever imagined. I wrote recently about how the year started with promise but quickly devolved into a year of chaos. As I mentioned in that blog post, I don’t have any answers. At the same time, I will continue to seek answers for the problems I see around me.

I recently heard the term “virus fatigue,” and I think it encapsulates how many people feel about the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopes were high for the second half of the year to be “normal.” But with the COVID-19 numbers spiking, and in many cases higher than ever, fears surrounding the coronavirus still abound.

In many ways the pandemic has brought out both the best and worst in us. On the one hand, we see people exhibiting compassion toward their neighbors by volunteering to deliver groceries or otherwise help those who are most vulnerable to this virus. On the other hand, we see a divisiveness pervading all areas of life, from wearing masks (or not) to racial injustice.

Jesus desired for those of us who follow him to be unified. In John 17:23, he prayed for us: “…so that they may be brought to complete unity.” And what was the purpose of this unity? So that the world would know God’s love: “Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:23b).

Our lack of unity affects how the world sees Jesus. When we believers fight among ourselves, we hinder our ability to fulfill the mission of Jesus: to make disciples. Instead, we are focused on ourselves.

So what can we do about this sort of disunity?

Pray. Just as Jesus prayed for us, we should also pray for others, whether we agree with them or not.

Don’t argue. I have friends I absolutely do not understand even when I try to see things from their point of view. And this is okay. We can still be friends, and we can still have a discussion about our differing views. Sometimes, you just have to agree to disagree.

Be humble. In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis wrote, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” As Christians, we should reach out to others and express concern for their welfare. This takes the focus off ourselves. What kind of impact has the pandemic had on your friends finances or mental health?

Model behavior. If you want to effect true change, model the behavior you want to see. If you want to see unity in the church, then make every effort to get along with people. Good teachers know that one of the best ways to impart knowledge to students is to show them how to do something. You can talk at people all day, and they will never hear a word you say. But when you model behavior, they will see how that behavior impacts your life.

When faced with disunity, we can take steps to shift the focus off ourselves and onto Jesus. It takes intentional effort and is far from easy. At times, you may want to give up on people. But Jesus didn’t give up on us, so shouldn’t we extend the same grace to other believers?

Dear Jesus, show me how to be part of the solution for unity and not part of the cause for division. Amen.