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Christian Unity

I profess myself to be of no party, and to love all of every party who love the Lord our saviour in sincerity. If they preach the truth in love, live as they preach, and are wise and watchful to win souls, and to feed the flock, I care not much whether they are called, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Church men, Kirkmen, or Methodists. I desire to rejoice in their success, on every side. I believe the zealots of all parties, pity or blame me, for my latitudinarian spirit, but the moderate and peaceable of all parties show me kindness. 

In some of the great shops in London, there are several counters; and servants at each to attend the customers. If these servants are faithful and have their masters' interest at heart, they will not be jealous of each other, they will not affront the customers by saying 'Why do not you come to be served on my side of the shop? If they are all well served and pleased, it signifies not to which counter they come. Now what are we but servants of one great master? What are our denominations and distinctions but as the several counters? 

I claim the right of private judgment, and consider myself in matters of conscience accountable only to the Lord. You have an equal right to do the same. And so have the customers. The Lord sends some to your counter, and some to mine. Shall we be displeased with each other, or with them, because they do not all come to one side? Let us love and pray for one another, and let each of us endeavour to build up the walls of Zion on our own side. When we meet above, we shall be all of one mind. 

 JOHN NEWTON 
(Source: Wise Counsel, p371) 

Wonderful words from John Newton that exemplifies the Christian charity we should have as we deal with others who profess to be followers of Christ. Newton is not giving a blank check here. He is clear that we are talking about unity among those who are truly serving the Lord. People who have a true profession of faith that is evidenced by genuine love of the Lord Jesus Christ that is evidence by putting the gospel at the heart of what they say and do. People who are seeking to genuinely win the lost and are showing that in the way they care for the church. Newton is saying that we are to love such people and help them in their work, and indeed rejoice in their Gospel success. 

The allusion to the checkout staff in the supermarket is excellent. In the supermarket all the staff work together for the glory and success of the business. What a contrast among the churches, where there is often very little labouring side by side for the Gospel, or rejoicing in the success of others. I guess the real question is: do we genuinely love Christ or are merely serving for our glory? When the Lord’s glory is our main goal, the church is bound to be united for Christ. This is also true among churches. If honouring Christ is our motive, we would approach things differently. We would labour to be at peace with other believers. The key to Christian unity then is to prayerfully seek to have the glory of Christ at the heart of everything we do.  When we genuinely focus on the glory of God, we will reap a harvest of Gospel unity. 

Copyright © Chola Mukanga 2026
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