“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
In today’s Bible reading, I was impressed by the words of King David from the Book of Psalms: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) These words remind me of the beauty and importance of unity in our lives, in our communities, and in the world. Unity is a precious gift, a treasure that we should cherish and cultivate. It is the essence of peace, the foundation of love, and the source of strength. When we come together in unity, we create a harmonious community of hearts and minds working towards a common purpose. It is in this unity that we find God’s grace and His presence among us.
The Psalmist’s words are a good reminder that unity is not only good; it is “pleasant.” It brings joy and happiness, because it is in unity that we experience the fullness of life. When we are united with our brothers and sisters in the congregation and worldwide, we are better equipped to face the various challenges that life throws at us, to support one another in times of need, and to celebrate together in times of joy. However, unity is definitely not always the absence of conflict; it’s the active pursuit of togetherness. It is a deliberate choice to set aside our differences and work towards a common goal. Unity is not uniformity; it is the celebration of our diversity, recognizing that each of us brings unique gifts, talents, and perspectives to the Heavenly Father’s house.
In a world often divided by differences of opinion, culture, and belief, we are called as children of God to be peacemakers, to bridge divides, and to bring people together in the spirit of unity. Jesus Christ, our Saviour, prayed for unity among His followers, saying, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17:20-21) He desired for us to be one, just as He and the Father are one.
Let’s reflect on our own lives and consider the ways we can promote unity in our families, in our communities, and in the world. Let’s seek out opportunities to build bridges, to extend a hand of reconciliation, and to love one another as Christ loved us. It is in our unity that we become a force for good, a beacon of hope, and a living testimony to the love and grace of Heavenly Father.
Let’s carry in our hearts the words of the Psalmist: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” We can be instruments of unity in a world that is in utter chaos. In Jesus’ name, amen.