How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
Living in harmony, peace, and unity is of utmost importance in the teachings of the apostles in the New Testament. Paul, in Romans 12:16 says, Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. He also strongly teaches, I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought (1 Corinthians 1:19).
This is a teaching that we, as brothers and sisters in Christ, need to constantly be aware of and working towards. The enemy loves nothing better than to cause division and dissention. He knows this will break fellowship, and that is something we cannot allow to happen. In our present situation we find ourselves living in, almost everyone has extremely strong opinions about virtually everything, and there is little budge and very little conversation and openness to talk.
What is the cause of the contentions and lack of unity that seem to prevail in so many churches? I can be in different forms and come in different shapes and sizes, but the root cause is, more often than not, pride or an unwillingness to recognize another person’s view. On author states that, “It could come from thinking, ‘My understanding of Scripture is right and yours is wrong,’ or it could be, ‘I don’t really care about others; I just want my way.’”
The application of Bible principles are not always spelled out in black and white, but as we seek the illumination by the Holy Spirit, He applies scripture the way He wants to in each one of our lives. Within the church body, some applications can be discussed and discerned in love by the church. If we bicker and quarrel, we are not walking in love. Everyone needs to work together so that scriptural decisions can be made, but if personal ideas are more important than peace in the fellowship of believers, there will likely be strife and disunity.
When, we as Elders meet, we pray for the discernment and wisdom of the Holy Spirit as we discuss various topics and issues. We know that there is one Holy Spirit and He lives in each one of us. If we are truly seeking God’s will and direction, the One Spirit will bring our minds into unity. Opinions will differ, but when love for the fellowship of one another is greater than love for ourselves, peaceful conclusions can usually be reached.
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity. Psalm 133:1