Creating Family Unity by God's Grace

Unity is something the world is constantly striving for in some way or form. The formal definition of unity is “the state of being united or joined as a whole.” As Catholics and as people of faith, unity is something we live daily since we are part of the universal Church of Jesus Christ. We are all “one body and one spirit.” Unity is not something we chase after; it is who we are and what we believe as followers of Jesus Christ. So unity is part of our make-up since the universal Church consists of all those who live and profess the teachings of Christ, and who are part of the mystical body of the Church. This is a profound blessing to be a part of this beautiful mystery and mission.

How to create family unity

Families are the domestic church. Each family is a “little church” and part of the bigger whole. Families are made of individual people who live, love, and commune together. Sometimes there is family unity and sometimes there is not. When families pray together, honor one another, love God and others, and live in peace there is unity. When something is missing in this picture, then discord can occur. How do we create family unity? Here are a few ideas below.

Like-mindedness

Each person in a family has their own likes, dislikes, hobbies, skills, personality traits, and other markers of distinction. This is the human condition. When families are in accord there is a certain like-mindedness related to relationship with God. When families can honor the separateness of each individual but still find a way to be likeminded in faith, there is success. When this is not present, then vice creeps in. What happens next is jealousy, envy, anger, selfishness, suspicion, and all kinds of other negative forces of the world. So in order to have unity within family life whether the immediate family or extended there has to be something that ties the family unit together. This is where faith comes in. Without this element of God-centeredness, then discord will rule the day.

Dialogue

Another element of creating family unity is dialogue. Gossip is one of the worst things which occurs in the world, and when it creeps into a family, a lot of bad and negative things can happen as a result of it. Positive, uplifting dialogue which is other-focused and not selfish is the lifeblood of unity within family life. Dialogue is necessary for healing, openness, and genuine love. Gossip and poor dialogue also affects extended families. This is where we see people who no longer speak to one another, bad-mouthing, and many broken relationships. No one likes to see this happen within their family unit. To avoid this happening, dialogue which is honest, caring, and forgiving has to take place. Gossip must cease. If it does not, family unity will be almost impossible. There will always be someone on the outside who has been cast aside and been made to feel not part of the family unit. This is not good. It is also not God’s plan for us. He wishes for us to live in abiding peace and in full joy.

Prayer

Most important of all in creating family unity is prayer. Prayer is the most essential activity that families can do. It does not have to be something complicated or drawn-out. Daily prayer brings about peace, harmony, and joy to family life. Once it is missing, the family will be on a downward path. Additionally, prayer which includes worship by attending Mass together is principal. The sacraments are gifts given to us by the Church to draw us together in unity with the entire universal Church. It is the most extraordinary gift given to us, as Catholics, in receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. Bonding together in prayer and in honoring these gifts of love will bring the most unity we can ask for.

These are simple ways for Catholic families to experience unity. Nothing is a “magic wand.” There must first be recognition of these gifts before any changes will occur. All of us have seen, in some way, the result of disunity both in family life and in the world. Where there is “no God, there is no peace.” And when we “know God, we will experience peace.” Be blessed.