How do we know unity in the church is important for Christians?

The importance of unity among Christians is a repeated theme throughout the New Testament, as seen in Paul's letters. In Philippians 4:2-3, he beseeches two women to be of the same mind in the Lord, pointing to the necessity of unity for the testimony of the church. When believers are united, they exemplify the love of Christ to the world and fulfill Jesus' prayer in John 17 for His followers to be one. Achieving such unity requires effort and commitment to the core truths of the gospel, fostering an environment where love and peace can flourish.