Unity and Love: The Heart of Evangelism

When we think about what convinces people to believe in Jesus, our minds often go first to evidence: historical facts, philosophical arguments, compelling sermons, or well-crafted answers to tough questions. These are valuable tools, and they certainly have their place.

But according to Jesus Himself, the most powerful testimony to the truth of the gospel isn’t an argument—it’s our unity.

In John 17, just hours before the cross, Jesus prayed for His disciples—and for us. He prayed not only for our protection or perseverance, but for our oneness:

“That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”—John 17:21 (ESV)

The love and unity we show as believers is not just a feel-good side effect of Christianity—it is core evidence that Jesus is who He said He is. The way we treat one another either confirms or contradicts our message.

Jesus didn’t say, “They’ll believe because you win debates.” He said, “They’ll believe when they see your unity.”

That’s a high calling. And it’s a convicting one.

We often pour our energy into sharpening our logic, refining our theology, or building creative outreach programs—and those are good things. But too often, we neglect the most persuasive testimony we have: a loving, united body of believers.

Christian unity is not a soft issue—it’s a reflection of the gospel itself.

When someone sees believers from different backgrounds, different personalities, different political opinions, or even different generations loving one another deeply, forgiving quickly, and speaking well of one another—that speaks volumes. It shows the world something different. Something divine. Something real.

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”—John 13:35

This doesn’t mean we compromise truth for the sake of unity, but it does mean we pursue peace with a Christlike humility and patience. Our shared faith should draw us together, not push us apart.

Love, expressed in real relationships, is a far better apologetic than any argument we could offer. Logic may engage the mind, but love reaches the heart—and hearts are what Jesus came to save.

Of course, reason and truth still matter. Paul “reasoned in the synagogues” (Acts 17:17) and made persuasive arguments for the faith. There is great value in engaging minds thoughtfully and respectfully. But even Paul’s reasoning was wrapped in deep love for others and a desire to reflect Christ. When truth is shared in the context of loving community, it becomes even more compelling.

Jesus continues His prayer in John 17 by asking that we “may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (v. 23). Our unity points not only to Christ’s mission—but to the very love of the Father for the world.

Then, in verses 24–26, Jesus lifts His eyes beyond this world. He prays that we would be with Him, to see His glory, and to fully know the love that has existed eternally between the Father and the Son. And then, remarkably, He says:

“I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” —John 17:26

Unity isn't just about getting along—it’s about God dwelling among us. It's about embodying divine love in real, human relationships. And when the world sees that kind of love lived out, they catch a glimpse of something eternal.

So let’s be people who make Jesus believable—not just with our words, but with our lives.

Let’s reflect the love of the Father and the Son. Let’s show the world what unity looks like. Let’s walk together as fellow pilgrims, arm in arm, pointing others to the One who prayed that we would be one.

Until the journey is complete,

Jonathan Pilgrim