You can also view “Hugging and Kissing in a Worship Service” in the section on this site of “Scriptures on Our Freedom in Worshipping the Lord.”
The best scriptures from the NIV Bible that can be used in a Week for Christian Unity Worship Service are listed for the 17 different ways that are given below. If you click or tap on one of them, it will take you to its location on this page.
Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God
Assurances of God’s Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions
Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace
Introductions to Scripture Readings
Introductions Before Offerings
Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving
Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God
Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God
Since the following scriptures may contain an incomplete verse and have been removed from their contexts in the NIV Bible, it is up to you to make the final determination if they will properly accomplish the purpose for which you are going to use them. Scriptures that are listed below that are incomplete will have an asterisk after their references.
Since the scriptures that are listed below are meant to be used in worship services, please feel free to copy and paste the ones that you select to use in a service. If you copy and paste a selection of scripture into Microsoft Word that has the word LORD in it and then highlight that scripture and change the size of the font for it, then you will also have to do one of the following two things in order for the letters ORD to be smaller capitals than the letter L. Manually change the letters ORD to a smaller size by highlighting them and changing their font to a smaller size than the rest of the scripture selection. Or make the letters Small caps by: 1) Deleting them. 2) Retyping them as ord and highlighting them. 3) Going to the Font area on the Home tab and clicking on the small arrow in its lower right corner. 4) On the Font tab in the next window, checking the box next to Small caps.
The Best Calls to Worship for the Week for Christian Unity
20 “[W]here two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20*
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 9 [Y]ou are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:4–5, 9
Other Calls to Worship to Consider Using
10 “Shout and be glad . . . . For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the LORD. “Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you.” Zechariah 2:10-11*
The Best Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions for
the Week for Christian Unity
16 [Y]ou are our Father, though Abraham does not know us or Israel acknowledge us; you, LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name. Isaiah 63:16
Other Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions to Consider Using
18 Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. 2 Chronicles 20:18
6 Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Nehemiah 8:6
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11
The Best Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their Introductions for the Week for Christian Unity
44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47
Other Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
16 [M]ay all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The LORD is great!” Psalm 40:16*
10 “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.” Romans 15:10-11*
The Best Introductions to Singing for the Week for Christian Unity
3 May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. 4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. 5 May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. Psalm 67:3-5
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. 9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy . . . because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” 14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. Revelation 5:6a, 9-14*
Other Introductions to Singing to Consider Using
9 [I]t is written: “I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.” 10 Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.” Romans 15:9-11*
The Best Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions for
the Week for Christian Unity
1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5
41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Luke 6:41-42
10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Romans 14:10, 12
1 [K]nowledge puffs up while love builds up. 2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. 1 Corinthians 8:1b-2*
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. Galatians 5:13-15
11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:11-12
20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:20-21
Other Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions to Consider Using
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
5 All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5b*
10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister. 1 John 3:10
The Best Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions for the Week for Christian Unity
19 God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [the Son], 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— Colossians 1:19-22
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
Other Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s
Forgiveness, and Absolutions to Consider Using
8 “ ‘I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. 11 “Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; his love endures forever.” ’ ” Jeremiah 33:8, 11a*
34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34a*
The Best Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing
God’s Peace for the Week for Christian Unity
The maximum number of scriptures that are usually listed for a way to use them in a worship service are about 10. But there are so many of “The Best Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace” that apply very well for a worship service that emphasizes Christian unity that there are many more than this listed below.
1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133:1-3
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
12 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42, 44-47
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Romans 12:10a*
28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 1 Thessalonians 3:12
9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 1 Thessalonians 4:9
3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22
11 For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 1 John 3:11
23 [T]his is his [God’s] command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 1 John 3:23
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7
21 And he [God] has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:21
5 I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 2 John 5
Other Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another,
and Passing God’s Peace to Consider Using
15 After he left there, he came upon Jehonadab son of Rekab, who was on his way to meet him. Jehu greeted him and said, “Are you in accord with me, as I am with you?” “I am,” Jehonadab answered. “If so,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he did, and Jehu helped him up into the chariot. 2 Kings 10:15
17 “This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:17
12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27
1 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Hebrews 13:1
The Best Introductions to Scripture Readings for
the Week for Christian Unity
12 [T]he hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind . . . following the word of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 30:12*
9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family . . . . Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10*
11 For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 1 John 3:11
Other Introductions to Scripture Readings to Consider Using
1 Hear the word of the LORD, . . . because the LORD has a charge to bring against you . . . . Hosea 4:1*
24 Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” Mark 12:24
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22
The Best Introductions Before Offerings for the Week for Christian Unity
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 34 [T]here were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Acts 4:32, 34-35*
13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Romans 12:13a*
1 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 2 Corinthians 8:1-4
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and . . . your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, 11-13*
10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10
Other Introductions Before Offerings to Consider Using
6 With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:6-8
29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. Acts 11:29-30
1 Now about the collection for the LoORD’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3 Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. 1 Corinthians 16:1-3
The Best Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions for
the Week for Christian Unity
The maximum number of scriptures that are usually listed for a way to use them in a worship service are about 10. But there are many of “The Best Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions” that apply very well for a Week for Christian Unity worship service so there are more than this listed below.
12 [T]he hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind . . . , following the word of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 30:12*
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
12 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:12, 17
20 “I pray also for those who will believe in me . . . 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. 23 Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:20b-21a, 23b*
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47
4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10
13 [L]et us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. Romans 14:13*
11 Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11bc*
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else . . . . 1 Thessalonians 3:12*
9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family . . . . Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10*
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22
Other Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions to Consider Using
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. Acts 4:32a*
3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5
16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16
The Best Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions for
the Week for Christian Unity
1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
15 [E]ver since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:15-16*
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— Colossians 1:3-4
4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. Philemon 4-5
Other Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions to Consider Using
3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3
The Best Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions for
the Week for Christian Unity
9 “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ ” Matthew 6:9-13
19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:19-20
20 “I pray . . . for those who will believe in me . . . 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:20-23*
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else . . . . 1 Thessalonians 3:12*
8 I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 1 Timothy 2:8*
Other Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions to Consider Using
17 “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. 18 We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19 Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because . . . your people bear your Name.” Daniel 9:17a, 18b-19*
3 Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Zephaniah 2:3a *
2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’ ” Luke 11:2-4
18 [A]lways keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18b*
The Best Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions for the Week for Christian Unity
3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 11 [W]e constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 11-12 *
8 I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 1 Timothy 2:8 *
Other Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Acts 1:13-14
The Best Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God for
the Week for Christian Unity
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. Acts 4:32a *
19 [Y]ou are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 *
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5
9 [Y]ou are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 *
14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. 1 John 3:14a *
12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:12
Other Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God to Consider Using
16 [W]e are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 2 Corinthians 6:16bc *
10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 1 John 2:10
The Best Exhortations for the Week for Christian Unity
The maximum number of scriptures that are usually listed for a way to use them in a worship service are about 10. But there are so many of “The Best Exhortations” that apply very well for a worship service that emphasizes Christian unity that there are many more than this listed below.
1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
20 “I pray . . . for those who will believe in me . . . 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. 23 Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:20b-21a, 23b *
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:5-7
10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1 Corinthians 1:10
1 I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 *
3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22
Other Exhortations to Consider Using
18 “ ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.’ ” Leviticus 19:18
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:9-10, 12
17 “This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:17
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
19 Let us . . . make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:19 *
1 [I]f you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2 *
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
11 [T]his is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 1 John 3:11 *
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7
The Best Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God for
the Week for Christian Unity
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
9 [T]here before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9-10 *
Other Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God to Consider Using
8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. Psalm 86:8-10
10 All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you. 11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, 12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. Psalm 145:10-13a*
The Best Benedictions and Blessings for the Week for Christian Unity
1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
9 [Y]ou are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9*
Other Benedictions and Blessings to Consider Using
16 [W]e are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 18 And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:16bc, 18*
14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14
5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:5