In this whole process, we assume our definition of unity is the biblical definition. That is the easy one to understand. However, just the absence of division does not produce unity. The absence of division is a part of unity, but unity is more than the absence of division. For unity to exist, there must be the positive component of oneness.
Unity exists where there is life.
Forbearance is a whole study within itself. For unity to exist, we must allow the New Testament to define forbearance and to educate us in the work and expressions of forbearance. The most accepted definition of unity in churches of Christ is uniformity. The demand of uniformity is for all Christians to be identical. In uniformity, Christians are spiritual clones.