Unity commands a blessing
Psalm 133 verses 1 and 3b (English Standard Version) "Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity…For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore".
In John chapter 17, Jesus gives us His vision for unity, as He prays that the hearts of those who follow Him would be as one as He is one with the Father.
Many times in the Scriptures we are exhorted to "dwell in unity". Encourage one another. Love one another. Serve one another. Comfort one another. There is power in connection. We draw strength from one another.
Build each other up. Recognize value in each person. Keep what's important (Christ our Lord and Friend) at the center.
AW Towser in his book "The Pursuit of God" said 'Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tune to the same fork are automatically tune to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to the standard to which each one must individually bow. So, one hundred worshippers meeting together, each one looking to Christ, are in heart, nearer to each other than they could possibly be. '
Being in unity doesn't mean we have to always agree on everything. We can have a different point of view on various things in life. But our unity I believe is what the Apostle Paul describes in Ephesians chapter 4 verses 1 to 4 (New Living Translation):
"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit and bind yourselves together with peace."
God's Spirit tears down the walls that divide and separate us. In Him there is no distinction of race, gender, or economic position. All believers come to the Father through Christ's sacrifice. The same Holy Spirit lives in every Christian and knits all Christians together in love as one body – the church. (Holy Spirit Encounter Bible New Living Translation).
God's rich blessings
Kath
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