Unity Across Cultures: How Gratitude Disarms Division | No Longer Hiding | EP 05

In this Thanksgiving-week episode, Athena Dean Holtz and Elizabeth Lambert tackle one of the enemy’s most subtle and destructive schemes: division within the Body of Christ. From Jesus’ prayer in John 17 to the early church’s example of cross-cultural reconciliation, Scripture reveals that unity isn’t a suggestion—it’s a command.

Athena and Elizabeth share their own story of friendship, the accusations and misunderstandings they had to navigate, and how humility protected their bond. Together they expose the enemy’s tactics—cultural pride, offense, fear, and individualism—and shine a light on the Spirit-led path toward healing.

You’ll hear practical steps for reconciliation, a fresh look at gratitude as spiritual warfare, and a beautiful reminder that unity is where God commands His blessing.

Key Takeaway: Unity isn’t optional. It’s obedience—and it silences the accuser.

Key Points: 1. Jesus’ Prayer for Oneness

John 17 reveals the heart of Jesus for His people: that we would be one as He and the Father are one. Unity is evidence of divine love, not human effort. Elizabeth unpacks how the enemy preys on our sinful nature through radical individualism and modern segregation—pulling us away from the biblical vision of one Body, many members (Romans 12:4–5; 1 Corinthians 12:25–27).

2. Our Story of Unity

Athena shares how she invited Elizabeth to co-host the podcast, and how their cross-cultural friendship has stood as a testimony to Christ’s reconciling power. They discuss the accusations, misunderstandings, and cultural tensions they had to navigate—proving that humility opens doors the enemy tries to slam shut. Listeners are challenged to follow Jesus’ and the apostles’ example when cultural issues threaten to divide.

3. The Enemy’s Divide-and-Conquer Strategy

Division rarely starts loud—it begins in subtle whispers. Cultural pride. Offense. Fear. Misunderstandings. Athena and Elizabeth highlight how the enemy sows suspicion inside the Body of Christ and how sensitivity to the Holy Spirit helps us spot his tactics early. (Preview: This strategy will be unpacked in even greater depth next episode.)

4. Practical Reconciliation

Reconciliation is not passive; it’s practiced. • Listening • Lamenting • Forgiving • Staying at the table Elizabeth shares that Jesus didn’t just weep—He stayed. True unity is forged when believers “wrestle together” instead of running away.

5. Thanksgiving as Warfare

Gratitude fights the seeds of envy, comparison, and offense. Athena explains how gratitude lifts our eyes off ourselves and onto God’s daily mercy. A grateful heart cannot cling to bitterness—thanksgiving clears the soil so unity can grow.

Scripture Focus — Psalm 133

Athena reflects on how Scripture describes unity as oil and dew—fragrant, refreshing, and life-giving. Unity carries a promise: “For there the LORD bestows His blessing—life forevermore.” Order Book Now https://shorturl.at/EeV6s

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God With Us, Immanuel: An Advent Devotional Through the Lineage of Christ https://a.co/d/f5e1ayA