The Unity of Believers

Psalm 133:1-3

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments: As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Psalm 133:1-3

After God had given Israel rest from all its enemies, David looked upon God’s people, united and in fellowship with one another, declared it was “good and pleasant”. Unity is not a natural occurrence but an anointing which comes from God. The Psalmist gives insight to this thought when he stated it was like the oil that ran down Aaron’s beard and the dew upon Mt. Hermon and Zion. These two metaphors ordained and perpetuated by God, illustrate the divine purpose and will of God. It is God’s divine purpose and will that His people work in unity to promote and build His kingdom.

Satan, in opposition to the perfect will of God, has used the weapon of division through the ages to negate the plan and purpose of God within the body of Christ. Sadly, this weapon of attack not only affects the family of God but extends to marriages, families, and relationships of all types. The breakdown in these relationships are typically caused by misunderstandings, jealousy, not willing to forgive, differences in belief systems and opinions, etc. This trend can be and must be corrected but it will take work and a concerted effort by all parties concerned.

If unity is an anointing of God, it must be initiated and continued by the application of God’s Word. There are four (4) basic biblical principles that will foster and perpetuate unity. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth “now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Unity exist when there is one voice, thought, and agreement. The spirit of unity takes effort and work. It does not happen by itself. “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). Obedience is an integral part of unity expressed by respect to leadership and one another. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves” (Hebrews 13:17). “Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility” (1 Peter 5:5). Lastly, love is the foundation upon which the entire family of God rest. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).