What does it mean to be compatible with someone?

Amos 3:3Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?

1 Corinthians 1:10I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

1 Peter 3:8Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

Often, you’re compatible with someone when you share similar beliefs. Being “of one mind” or “united in thought and purpose” binds you together as you work together. A common purpose is perhaps the most important element of compatibility because when disagreements occur and attraction fades, you will still be compatible in life purpose.

Acts 18:1-3Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was.

You’re often compatible with someone when you engage in similar activities. Paul and Priscilla and Aquila were all engaged in tentmaking. This commonality made it easier for Paul to develop a friendship with them, and even led to them working together. This compatibility was probably an important springboard for encouraging and sharpening one another in the ministry of sharing the gospel.

Exodus 10:9Moses replied, “We will all go—young and old, our sons and daughters, and our flocks and herds. We must all join together in celebrating a festival to the Lord.”

Exodus 12:47The whole community of Israel must celebrate this Passover festival.

Ezra 3:1In early autumn, when the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people assembled in Jerusalem with a unified purpose.

Sharing events with others causes you to have more experiences and traditions in common. This creates common memories and more compatibility. The more you experience together, the more you will be compatible.

2 Corinthians 1:6-7Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

Sharing in suffering and comfort binds you together with others as you can empathize with one another’s feelings.

Numbers 32:14“But here you are, a brood of sinners, doing exactly the same thing! You are making the Lord even angrier with Israel.”

Psalm 1:1Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.

Unfortunately, you can be compatible with others in sinfulness. People who share evil interests and beliefs are compatible. Choose carefully who you want to be compatible with. Avoid being compatible with people who will encourage you to ignore or disobey God.