Topic: Living in Unity
Bible Reading: Psalm 130-133; Romans 10.
Memory Verse: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 (KJV)
Have you ever addressed your mind to the unity on earth concerning the various occupants of the earth? People, animals, plants and non-living things? If God creates the world so diverse and so united, what do you imagine God will expect of you as a human being? It is Unity with your environment starting with people around you. Psalm 133:1 (KJV) says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” So God is saying it is morally excellent (good) for you to live in unity with your families, neighbours or wider community and this also brings you peace, and delight (pleasant).
There are indeed many things that are good for human being but not necessarily pleasant like dieting or bodily exercises and also there are many other things that are pleasant but not necessarily good but God is telling us that living in unity gives you both and this reflects in your heart (Ephesians 4:3).
As a human being, there will be offences but God has called you to live in harmony with everyone as stated in Hebrews 12:14 (KJV), “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” That is why you are enjoined to forgive those that offend you and also live a life of perseverance. That way you will be exhibiting the character of your father in heaven. Remember that even at the point of painful death on the cross, the Lord Jesus, our example asks God to forgive those who inflicted the pain on His body! Also note that living in unity does not mean uniformity; there will be differences in background, approaches, and living but you are called to live in unity with these people inspite of the differences showing them love in your dealings with them such that they will be endeared to your father by your behaviour. It is noteworthy that you cannot achieve this by your own effort but the Holy Spirit, the new heart within you will lead and guide you to follow this.
As a child of God therefore, strife, unforgiveness, bitterness, or hate among others should not be found in you. Rather you should show love of Christ to everyone. This is how you can show that you are a child of light and thus spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is why the Lord Jesus says in Matthew 5:16 (KJV), “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
If you have not received the new heart, you are not going to be able to live such a life and will therefore need to repent of your sins and call on the Lord Jesus to save you so that you can receive a new heart which will enable you to follow peace with all men and thus belong to the family of God.
Prayer point: Father, give me the grace to live in unity with all people around me in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero