The Cry of a Heart // Psalm 133
“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.”
Unity is vital to a flourishing life. Forget prospering at work if you cannot get along with your co-workers. And don't think marriage can be healthy unless both are on the same page. Psalm 133 declares that unity with others is good and pleasant; refreshing like the oil or the dew. WHo doesn't want that?!
My favorite passage to break down in regards to unity is Ephesians 4:1-3. In fact, I recite it to myself daily because I believe it to be that powerful and that valuable!
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ”
Humility. Gentleness. Patience. Love
These 4 words, if embraced and lived out, can foster intimacy and ignite unity at all levels of your life. Furthermore, these attributes have the power to radically change your heart. I don’t know about you but there are a few of these I struggle to live out and diving deep into their meanings is reshaping my heart to be more like His. So not only is this a journey to unity, but it is a journey to be more like Christ.
Humility - Putting others before yourself is hard and requires sacrifice. It means stepping back and allowing others to take the credit. It manifests in celebrating the success of others when they are recognized. It’s this very practice that cultivates unity. When you begin to put others first and to serve the people around you, you are fostering an environment of connectivity.
Gentleness - When you interact with someone, Colossians 4 says we should do it in grace; that how we speak to them should bring out the best in them. Particularly in a tense moment or one with an unbeliever. Being kind to someone when your instinct is to lash out or correct is gentleness in action. Therefore, when anger begins to brew in you and in the other person, it’s our responsibility to diffuse the tension. Choose to turn the table by responding in kindness and gentleness.
Patience - Focus on patience as you go through your day today. Catch yourself in the moments it is tested and embrace how you can grow in that moment.
Love - When we commit to love others--to show them brotherly affection--we are doing one of the most important things we can be doing on this earth. It’s not an afterthought or something meant only for those closest to us; love is your highest calling. In fact, Romans says you should outdo one another in showing kindness. Imagine if everyone aimed to go above and beyond in loving each other.
Unity is incredibly desired by God, for His people. He longs to see His children live out humility, gentleness, patience, and love among each other and in a broken world. Begin to take steps in growing in these areas and living them out, and you’ll certainly honor Him.
Seek unity in your relationships, among other believers, and in your church, and watch as they flourish in ways you’ve never witnessed before. Unity is very important, so be a carrier of it today. Bring unity into your world!
If you would like to dive into this a bit more, check out my YouVersion reading called "Cultivating Unity" using the link below!
