“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Psalm 133:1
It had happened again. Two sisters had provoked one another, each mentally, and audibly blaming the other for the felt animosity between them.
Never min,d neither of these sisters was over thirty, twenty, or even thirteen. I see the very same behavior in women in the church. In ‘girls’ of forty, fifty, or even (gasp) over sixty.
We each think I know. That no one else could possibly know as I know. Sometimes, we might even think that no one else has been blessed with such insight, such perspective, (and such near-sightedness!) And even, to think it’s my rightful responsibility to share this profound wisdom with the world, or at least those beside me who need it.
Thank goodness God doesn’t dole out as humans do. He’s gracious, loving, full of mercy, slow to anger, and slow to judge. He’s patient. And He forgives and forgets instead of highlighting my history.
When I pointed those qualities out to the sisters, two of my daughters, they promised to make a difference in their treatment of one another.
And maybe, all of us ‘girls’ at church ought to do the same.
Reflections:
Monday: Define how unity appears in your home, your church, and your friendships.
Tuesday: How does God define unity? Is it always dependent on us completely agreeing with and liking one another? (Read Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”)
Wednesday: Why is it so important to follow the command of Romans 12:18? What are the consequences to you personally if you don’t? What are the consequence to your testimony if you don’t? (Read John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”)
Thursday: Read Psalm 133. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”
What correlation does unity among God’s people have with blessing?
Friday: Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, How easy to disagree with one another, and then hold it against another child of Yours. Please guide me to live in peace with others, as much as it depends on me. This doesn’t mean being stepped all over, but it also means not assuming every little word is a slight. May I focus more on You and less on my feelings. Amen.
