(Psalms 133:1-3) A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
(1 Peter 3:8-12) 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. For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
In these passages, the Lord equates brotherly love and Christian unity with His blessing and His favor. Compassion, kind actions, and kind thoughts towards other people; to trust each other and be vulnerable to each other is what God desires for each of us. This is true of all people but it is greatly magnified for the Body of Christ.
Unity among God's people is a focus throughout all of scripture. It is particularly important to God because it is literally the mortar that is building the Church. God places you together with specific individuals for the purpose of building His church and for the purpose of sanctifying each of you. God wants to change you in ways that will be achieved only through unity with the specific people with whom God has placed you.
Live in unity today with the people God has placed around you. Look for opportunities to express the same kindness, compassion, and love to them that Christ expressed to you.
Questions For Discussion
- What is the Lord's favor?
- Should you trust someone even after he or she has betrayed you?
- If you don't like someone with whom God has placed you, why can't you just find someone else who you do like to be friends with?
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