In his weekly address Saturday, President Obama discussed the importance of Easter celebrations in reminding Americans how faith unifies the people of the United States. He said miracles that took place thousands of years ago, which are celebrated each Easter,

“connect us to our past and give us strength as we face the future, and they remind us of the common thread of humanity that connects us all.”

Although including mention of both Jewish and Christian celebrations, President Obama’s message centered on the importance of Jesus’ example to the lives of ordinary Americans. Citing, for instance, the selflessness represented by the life of the figure of Jesus, President Obama implored Americans to “recommit ourselves to following his example.” Emphasizing the importance of humbling ourselves and of recognizing selflessness as an important value to live out in daily life, President Obama stressed the need to think of others, a need of which Jesus’ sacrifice reminds all who know his story.

His address focused on unity, even between believers and non-believers:

“All of us, no matter how or whether we believe, can identify with elements of his [Jesus’] story – the triumph of hope over despair, of faith over doubt, the notion that there is something out there that is bigger than ourselves. These beliefs help unite Americans of all faiths and backgrounds. They shape our values, and guide our work. They put our lives in perspective.”

The importance of respecting and valuing differing beliefs does not prevent unity among all Americans based on common values, whether those values are represented by religious beliefs or not. The ability of common values to unite people, as stated by President Obama during his address, emphasizes the very real need for American unity in facing the future.

Watch President Obama’s Weekly Address:

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