Unlocking Unity

How to Bring Unity into Your Life and Make the World a Better Place

“THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO ULTIMATE SUCCESS: THE FIRST WAY IS TO BE KIND. THE SECOND WAY IS TO BE KIND. THE THIRD WAY IS TO BE KIND.” —FRED ROGERS, A.K.A MISTER ROGERS

Imagine a world where everyone is kind to one another . . .

Imagine a world where people go out of their way to treat others just like they want to be treated themselves . . .

Cast a vision of how your life would change—how your relationships would change—just by being kind to those you work with, live with, socialize with, attend church with, and live in the neighborhood with . . .

Just imagine . . .

You made it to the last day of this devotional, and perhaps you are wondering, “Greg, in such a volatile and divided nation and world, can one person’s acts of kindness really make a difference? After all, it seems like Christians can’t even agree or get along. In the grand scheme of things, does all this really matter?”

Without reservation, I can honestly tell you, yes, it really does matter. Too often, we think that we, as individuals, don’t have the power to make change in our world. But the reality is that every good thing—every good movement—starts with one person.

For those of you who are reading this and are Christians, I might add that a small cadre of Jesus’ followers (powered by the Holy Spirit, of course) turned the world upside down (even the powerful Roman Empire was impacted by the early “church”).

Yes, one person can make a difference. Simply put, being kind is how you, as a human being, contribute to society and make the world a better place.

There is no doubt that our world is in turmoil. And, more than we have ever known, there is deep division in our communities, churches, nation, and across the globe. That’s why the last key to kindness is found in unlocking unity.

As you pick up this last key out of your toolbox, take a deep breath. When you unlock this last padlock restricting your soul, you may feel a rush of fresh air as the gate swings open. Opening ourselves up to connection, to unity, frees us in ways we cannot imagine.

In a sense, we are opening our hearts to give and receive not only kindness but true meaning and bonding as human beings with ourselves, each other, and the world we live in. Often we can fall for the illusion that self-sufficiency and independence will make our lives better. But kindness emerges instead from relationship, connection, and interdependence.

On this final day of the devotional think on the Trinity. The more connected we are with God, ourselves, and others, the more our potential for kindness will empower us to be authentic healers and world changers.

Divided We Fall—The Need for Unity

“Only humility will lead us to unity, and unity will lead to peace.” —Mother Teresa

Our divisiveness has not just stayed in the political arena; it has invaded our lives, dividing friendships, families, and, sadly, even our places of worship. We are too quick to judge, cancel, and hate one another instead of striving to come together and find solutions—to even try to get along.

That is why it is so important to understand that unlocking unity in our lives is the key to kindness. There is strength in unity, and it unleashes the power of kindness in our own homes, communities, and nation. Seeking a spirit of unity means we humble ourselves and start listening to those who think or believe differently than we do.

Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools.”

It’s time we all start learning to live together—and being kind to one another is a great first step.

In a Church Divided, Jesus Calls for Unity

Throughout the history of the church, there have been times of division, reformation, and restoration. After all, though Christ is the head of the church, human beings comprise it—which means sometimes we don’t always act according to the Spirit, but rather, more like our sinful nature.

The bottom line is if we as the church can’t get along, how are we all going to get along as a community, as a nation, and as a global people?

Jesus’ Heart for Unity

Jesus knew, right from the beginning, our human propensity to argue and divide into groups (and cliques, I might add). The Lord had a burden for His church to be united, and He prayed for this very thing before He died on the cross.

Jesus said, “our love and our unity” will show the world that God sent Jesus because He loves humanity. It is through the love and unity of Christians (the church) that the world will know Jesus.

One of the most well-known Bible verses says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believe in Him, will not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Again, in Jesus’ prayer in His final moments, He says, “That they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”

Our greatest unifier in the church should be the Gospel—John 3:16. It is through our love for one another and our unity that the world will know we are “the real deal” and that the Gospel is true.

What the World Needs Now Is Kindness

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” –Ian Maclaren

There is power in kindness. Margaret Cho once said, “Sometimes, when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways, it can change someone else’s life forever.” She’s right. Steve Sjogren, who is an author and a friend, once made an astute observation about Cho’s comment.

He wrote: “Margaret Cho is referring to the butterfly effect of kindness. It’s small, doable acts of practical kindness that shape the world.”

You can genuinely make a difference in someone’s life by showing them kindness. Everybody faces a battle in their life—we need to remember that.

When you see someone in a store, at a restaurant, or at a medical office that seems rude or has rubbed you the wrong way, instead of getting irritated or angry, pause for a moment and consider what they may be going through in their life. And then, shower them with kindness—a big smile, a compliment, calling them by their name—which can go a long way in lifting their spirit, encouraging their heart, and giving them hope in life. Yes, that’s just how powerful kindness can be.

Remember God’s Kindness toward You

The following is a Scripture that I’ve held dear for many years and have spent much time reflecting on: It is “the kindness of God that leads us to repentance.” (Romans 2:4)

It’s God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. He’s not the angry man upstairs throwing down lightning bolts. So, what draws us back to God when we stray? It’s his kindness.

That’s the gracious God we serve and who we model our lives after as Christ's followers. We serve a kind, gracious, and loving God. His love for us is unconditional.

He showers us with unmerited favor. And His mercies toward us are new every morning.

There’s a myth out in the world that the Old Testament God was mean, angry, and upset, while the New Testament God is gracious, loving, kind, and merciful. It’s as if we think that God has a split personality or just changed into a kinder, gentler being over time.

But that is far from the truth. The God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament is one in the same—and both show the character of God’s kindness and love toward us.

The world needs true Christ followers—people who love Jesus and love their neighbor, no matter who they are or what they believe.

Look at your neighborhood, your community, and your own family and relationships. Are they seeing the love of Christ in you?

There is no doubt that we need to show more kindness towards one another. Consider for a moment each of the ten keys of kindness that we have covered:

1. Forgiveness

2. Generosity

3. Composure

4. Acceptance

5. Rest

6. Wisdom

7. Empathy

8. Patience

9. Love

10. Unity

Now imagine unlocking each of these keys to kindness and living your life loving your neighbor in this way. . . .

When you walk in kindness toward others—forgiving them, being generous to them, having composure toward them, accepting them, being at rest with them, showing wisdom towards them, having a heart of empathy for them, being patient with them, loving them, and being a peacemaker toward them—it breaks down the wall of division and brings unity like nothing else can.

This, my friend, is the secret power of kindness—that you can be a part of a movement to change the world and make it a better place.

Will you join me in this great calling?