YOUnity

Unity is defined as "the state of being united or joined as a whole."

I have such a draw to the concept of unity and our responsibility as individuals to bring it to our communities. In today's world we have such a need to be unified in a good cause. We cannot make it through this life completely on our own; I believe if we try to, we will find frequent moments of unhappiness.

Unity is a balm to our souls. It has an ability to heal long-time wounds and fill the gaps within out hearts. The Savior of the world, who died that we might be healed from all things, prayed, in His last moments, to the Father saying, "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 17:21).

Diversity is a beautiful gift given to us by God Himself. He knew it would take all kinds of souls, personalities, colors, shapes, sizes, etc. to keep our world going. He knew we would be blessed by the opportunity to be surrounded by many cultures. He understood that despite these differences, our hearts would have the ability to be knit together because of, quite possibly, the most important doctrine known to man; that we ALL are loved sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father. 

This doctrine unites us in a way that nothing else can. There was a hope that our hearts truly would be “knit together in unity and in love one towards another” (Mosiah 18:21). In fact it was stated by the Lord, “If ye are not one ye are not mine” (D&C 38:27).

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles counsels us by saying, “Perhaps there has never been a more important time for neighbors all around the world to stand together for the common good of one another."

We have an opportunity to look past our differences and to become one, whole, unified, knit, His. We have a chance to be more like Him by doing our best to be a little better every single day. We have the responsibility to reach out to those who need our love and support. We are given the calling to love others as Christ loves us, to share the gospel in His manner and to be participants in His divine plan. 

Here's an additional article discussing the importance of unity if you're interested.


                                                                                       

         

                                                  Artwork of the Savior by Del Parson.