Dwelling in Unity

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1

When Jesus prayed for the church in John chapter 17, He prayed that they would be one. He was praying that we would have unity. Unity is important in a church, in a home, in a marriage, in an office setting, in a factory, or on a ball field. David knew something about the importance of unity. He had seven older brothers. He was anointed king while his predecessor was still alive. He commanded a band of misfits who began to follow him because they were discontented with King Saul. He fought on many battlefields and led great armies. His son Absalom had another one of his sons killed. Absalom eventually led a revolt against his father. Joab, the captain of David’s army, killed anyone that he perceived to be a threat to his position. David knew what it was like when there was no unity, but he had also experienced the excitement as the Israelite army rallied together to defeat Philistines when he killed Goliath. He heard them singing his name in the streets after their great victory. First in Hebron, and then in Jerusalem, he had seen the people come together to make him king. There is power in unity. It will make any connected group of people better, more effective, and more pleasant to be a part of. Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Are you a peacemaker? Do you work to bring people together? It is a wonderful thing when we can dwell together in unity.