Five Bible Verses That Demonstrate Unity Teachings

I grew up in the Southern Baptist Church, and I am grateful for this background in many ways. It was where I developed my faith and first realized my identity as a spiritual seeker. While it was an important step on my journey, I eventually sought a different understanding of spirituality. I found a community where I could explore my spirituality in ways more meaningful to me when I discovered Unity.

What drew me to the Unity movement was its inclusivity and respect for all paths to God. Unity welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, including different ethnicities, genders, nationalities, abilities, ages, and sexual orientations. Unity believes that all spiritual paths ultimately lead to the same divine source. Through prayer, meditation, and service, we can connect with all beings and discover our inner divinity.

Unity is often described as “practical Christianity” and is grounded in the understanding that God is Spirit, always present, all knowing, and all powerful and the respect for each person’s unique concept of God and their knowledge of the Christ within. Unity founders Charles and Myrtle Fillmore studied many faith traditions and incorporated a variety of tenets from many religions into Unity teachings—universal principles that apply to all people.

Unity teachings primarily stem from the Bible and support some of the most familiar verses in the New Testament. I am grateful to revisit the scriptures I learned early in life now with a new perspective.

1. So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.—Romans 12:5

This verse speaks to the fundamental principle of oneness that is central to the Unity movement. Oneness means recognizing we are all connected with each other and with God. We are all part of the same divine consciousness.

These words from the apostle Paul call us to recognize that we are all integral parts of a greater whole, much like parts of the body work together for the benefit of the whole. We are called to work in harmony with one another toward the greater good. We are all connected in Spirit, and we belong to each other. Understanding this can create a sense of unity and peace among all people, regardless of individual differences.

In essence, Romans 12:5 is an invitation to recognize and embrace the interconnectedness of all people and to celebrate the diversity of experiences and perspectives that make up the human family. By doing so, we can create a more loving, compassionate, and inclusive world that reflects the divine nature of the universe.

2. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.—Galatians 3:28

In the eyes of God, all people are equal, no matter their gender, ethnicity, or social status. We see this verse as a representation of the essential unity of all beings as well as the divine nature within each person. This is another example of how the Bible demonstrates the concept of oneness—how all people, animals, and plants are interconnected with the same spiritual essence. This verse supports Unity teachings about the divinity of all beings as well as the promotion of diversity and inclusion.

3. I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.—John 13:34

As we love and respect each other, we see the inherent divinity within each person, and we learn to treat each other with kindness and empathy. This tells us to model the love we show each other after the love Jesus showed to his disciples: an unconditional and transformative love.

John 13:34 is also a call to engage in acts of service, forgiveness, and generosity and to cultivate an attitude of acceptance toward each other. As we embody this message, we strive to create a more compassionate, loving, and inclusive world.

4. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.—2 Timothy 1:7

We are meant not to live in fear but to embrace our inherent power, love, and self-discipline. As we recognize the divine presence within us, we find the courage, strength, and wisdom to face life’s many obstacles and challenges.

We must also exercise self-discipline on the spiritual journey, although this may mean different things to different people. For some, it could mean creating a daily prayer and meditation practice, while for others it could mean finding new ways to serve others—whatever helps us to stay aligned with our higher selves or the Divine within.

5. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.—Philippians 4:6

Philippians 4:6 is the perfect portrayal of the importance of prayer and gratitude to create a positive mindset and overcome stress and anxiety—one of the most fundamental teachings of Unity. As we trust in divine wisdom and love, we receive support and guidance during difficult times.

Gratitude is also essential in our lives. By recognizing the blessings that surround us each day, we cultivate an attitude of thankfulness and appreciation.

These are just five examples of Bible verses that demonstrate the teachings in the Unity movement. In Unity, as it is with Jesus, our goal is to live with greater peace, love, and joy; to deepen our connection with God and each other; and to make the world a more compassionate and loving place.

Read more about Unity and the Bible.