Our Reading: Psalm 133 & John 17:20-23

I imagine David had witnessed the nation of Israel rocked to the core by disharmony and times of conflict and unrest. He had even been the one hunted by the King who wanted to see his very life and those who followed him destroyed. But, David also knew the blessing of seeing God bring about restoration of harmony and unity. He knew that unity was, indeed, something to be cherished. 

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (v1)

In this Psalm, he compared unity to the precious oil that would flow down from the priest’s Aaron’s beard and to the dew that nourished and refreshed the mountains of Zion.  God encourages His people to also cherish and revere unity and to strive to live in one accord. 

His Word teaches us and encourages us to live in unity. Where unity is valued and put into practice, there God will be present, and His Spirit will be able to work to indwell the hearts and minds of His people. 

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬ ‭

We are encouraged to look past our differences and realize that Christ bonds us as one, and we are united as His offspring. We become part of God’s family and that includes being granted the same promises of inheritance as the nation Israel.

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.” Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭27‬-‭29‬ ‭

He gives us clear instruction regarding how to have peace and harmony in dealing with each other. 

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭15‬ ‭

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭16‬ ‭

God wants to bless us  and He calls for us to be a blessing to others through unity of mind and the extended love of Christ.

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭

Unity is indeed a rare virtue and cherished blessing that is dear to God’s heart. We must learn to value it as God does for unity is the key to experiencing His peace and blessings as we interact daily with our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ.

“O for more of this rare virtue! Not the love which comes and goes, but that which dwells; not that spirit which separates and secludes, but that which dwells together; not that mind which is all for debate and difference, but that which dwells together in unity.” (Spurgeon)

Reflection:

1. Think about your own household, your workplace, your church etc. Does unity or disharmony characterize these environments and the relationships of those who interact there?
2. What is your tendency in reaction to conflicts? Do you sow seeds of harmony or disharmony? 
3. How precious is unity to you? Do you seek it as a blessing from God?

Prayer:

Father, we thank You for the blessing of unity and we ask for this blessing to be found in our homes, our churches, our places of work and leisure. Teach us to be the peacemakers who sow love and harmony as we strive to represent the love of Christ to one another. Help us to value unity as You value unity.