Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment poured on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron [the first high priest], that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments [consecrating the whole body]. It is like the dew of [lofty] Mount Hermon and the dew that comes on the hills of Zion; for there the Lord has commanded the blessing, even life forevermore [upon the high and the lowly].
Psalm 133 AMP
Currently I am reading a psalm each day, and this was the one scheduled for today - how interesting given the changes in the Australian Federal political scene last night. Unity seems to be a little bit elusive in that sphere, no matter which side of politics you support. The leaders of our country, and indeed the world, definitely need our prayers.
Let's consider unity, as it relates to our thoughts, words and actions, as brothers and sisters in Christ. The Bible tells us that we are all united together by the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
For just as the body is a unity and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, for [only] one body, so it is with Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). For by [means of the personal agency of] one [Holy] Spirit we were all, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, baptized [and by baptism united together] into one body, and all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 AMP
The scripture then goes on to explain about the various parts of the body and guidelines for how we are to interact. The chapter finishes with verse 31.
But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all - love].
1 Corinthians 12:31 AMP
Love. The focus of the following chapter, Chapter 13, a favourite reading at weddings. Here are of the few verses from that chapter.
Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealously, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. (verse 4)
Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. (verse 7)
And so, faith, hope, love abide [faith - conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope - joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love - true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love. (verse 13)
Love. The focus of the entire Bible - God's love for us, despite all our failings. This kind of love, is the love that brings unity.
Chapter 14 starts with,
Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; (verse 1a)
Obviously we are not perfect, so today, here on earth, we cannot be a perfect representation of God's love. But we can make a commitment to eagerly pursue and seek to acquire this love. We can ask God to create a clean heart within us, to help us to learn to love the way that He wants us to love, and help bring greater unity in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 AMP
And remember, we have the ultimate picture of unity - the trinity.
God said, Let Us [Father, Son and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth. Genesis 1:26 AMP
Question for today, what can you do to more eagerly pursue this love that leads to unity within yourself, your family, your church, your workplace, your country, your world? For me, prayer is always a great place to start, listening for direction from the Holy Spirit.
But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. John 14:26 AMP
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