It is a familiar phrase, used to express unity and collaboration.

Meaning – if we don’t stand together, ultimately, we will not succeed.

It is a phrase that has been used throughout history to inspire and lift couples, groups, teams, political parties, countries and many more.

Biblically, in Matthew 12:25 and also in Luke 11:17, the scriptures convey the common message that a house divided against itself will not stand.

In modern culture, J.K. Rowling uses a variation of the phrase in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, when Albus Dumbledore says, “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”

“AN OLD man on the point of death summoned his sons around him to give them some parting advice. He ordered his servants to bring in a bundle of sticks and said to his eldest son: “Break it.” The son strained and strained, but with all his efforts was unable to break the bundle. The other sons also tried, but none of them was successful. “Untie the bundle,” said the father, “and each of you take a stick.” When they had done so, he called out to them: “Now, break it,” and each stick was easily broken. “You see my meaning,” said their father.”

Recently D. Todd Christofferson said regarding unity, that “…we cannot be one unless we all bend our efforts to the common cause.”

The common cause could be in the home, in our marriages, in our missionary companionships, in our workplaces, or in our teams.

He went on to say that “… unity does not require sameness, but it does require harmony.”

David O. McKay taught “Unity, harmony, goodwill are virtues to be fostered and cherished in every home.”

I accept that unity of ideals and purpose is often hard to achieve.

So how do we build that unity, that harmony with one another?

My favourite piece of counsel and direction comes from Gordon B. Hinckley, he said “somehow forgiveness, with love and tolerance, accomplishes miracles that can happen in no other way.”

For all of us in life, there comes a time to confront ourselves with ourselves – it is a compulsory part of learning and growing.

A time when each of us may have to concede the error of our ways and pride gives ways to humility.

We move forward by standing together, talking together, listening together, working together, serving together, sharing together and by doing good together.

Amid all the hardships of human life, if we can understand a little more of the principle of unity and establish it in our hearts… then our homes, our marriages, our communities and our workplaces, will be much more harmonious.

If you were to explain unity to someone, what would you say?