The Goodness Of Unity

THE GOODNESS OF UNITY

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

How wonderful and pleasant it is

when brothers live together in harmony!

For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil

that was poured over Aaron’s head. . . .

Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon

that falls on the mountains of Zion.

And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing,

even life everlasting.

Division characterizes our culture today, no matter where we might find ourselves. Fracture and party lines are the pervasive norms under which we live. Unity is so rare that it is newsworthy and surprising when it happens.

Unity in the church is just as uncommon. We are divided over doctrinal, social, and stylistic issues. We leave little room for other people, and instead of bearing with one another, we leave one another. When unity does arise, there is hardly anything more beautiful. Think of the way people rally together when natural disasters strike. Lines of distinction that we normally draw disappear. Arguments over who holds the right beliefs fade. Goodness emerges. We remember our similarities instead of our differences. We remember that none of us really has control or is secure in this world. How might our lives be shaped if we sought unity—looked for our similarities and bore with one another—in our everyday circumstances?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• Reflect on what creates division and fracture among God’s people. How have you contributed to this division? How have you sought to build up unity? What do you sense God calling you to contribute in the current climate of disunity?
• Where is there division in your own life? What step do you need to take to foster unity? What holds you back? What do you need from God to help you overcome whatever is standing in your way?

Lord, thank you for the moments of unity among people—and among your people—that I have experienced. I have the choice to be a bridge builder or bridge burner. In moments of strife or when my emotions are negatively triggered, fill me with your Spirit and give me the courage to bring peace instead of division. Allow me to experience the goodness of unity that reigns in your Kingdom. May your love in and through me be evident in the words I say and the actions I take. Amen.