Unity in Our CommunitySample

With One Heart

“In Judah the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind.”—2 Chronicles 30:12

“Soon the women of our churches took on new life. Every Monday afternoon women could be seen in all sections of the city of Memphis with Bibles in their hands, going to their Bible Band meetings,” wrote Virginia Broughton in 1887.

As an influential African American educator and missionary, Virginia served as a strong role model for Black women of all social and economic levels. Against the challenges of her time, Virginia courageously and faithfully called her sisters in Christ to study the Scriptures together in community.

King Hezekiah also exhibited courage and faithfulness when he called the Israelites both in the Southern Kingdom of Judah and in the Northern Kingdom of Israel to celebrate the Passover together. Hezekiah sent letters throughout the land, calling the people to repentance and proclaiming that “the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate” (2 Chronicles 30:9).

Although some people did not obey and even mocked Hezekiah, God was not idly waiting on the side; He was drawing people together and giving them “unity of mind to . . . [follow] the word of the Lord.” May we also seek to be united in our Christian community, knowing that God is the one who ties us together.

Estera Pirosca Escobar

To what degree have you experienced this kind of unity in your community of faith? What are some steps you can take to pursue such unity today?

Father, as You give your people one heart, may I and other believers in Jesus follow Your Word every day in community.