How can we promote unity within our church community as Psalm 133:1 suggests? Opening Snapshot of Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” Why Unity Matters to God • Unity reflects the very nature of the triune God (John 17:21). • It validates our witness to the world (John 13:35). • It brings God’s blessing and refreshment to His people (Psalm 133:2-3). Practical Steps Toward Church Unity • Cultivate Humility – “In humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3-4). – Celebrate one another’s gifts rather than competing for platform or praise. • Guard Our Speech – “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths” (Ephesians 4:29). – Speak truth in love; refuse gossip or divisive criticism. • Practice Forgiveness Quickly – “Bearing with one another and forgiving each other” (Colossians 3:13). – Address offenses face-to-face, extending the same grace we received at the cross. • Share Life in Regular Fellowship – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship” (Acts 2:42). – Small groups, shared meals, and service projects knit hearts together. • Pray Together Consistently – “Pray in the Spirit at all times…making supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18). – Unity grows when we together seek the Lord’s heart. • Serve Side by Side – Mutual mission dispels personal agendas (Philippians 1:27). – Pair seasoned believers with newer members for ministry teams. • Honor God-Given Leadership – “Obey your leaders and submit to them” (Hebrews 13:17). – Support elders with prayer, encouragement, and open communication. • Hold Fast to Sound Doctrine – “Speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). – A shared commitment to biblical truth protects from fractures over error. Guarding Unity When Differences Arise 1. Identify Core vs. Peripheral Issues (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). 2. Listen first, speak second (James 1:19). 3. Seek counsel from mature believers (Proverbs 15:22). 4. Accept that diversity in non-essentials can enrich the body (Romans 14:5-6). The Blessing That Follows Unity “ It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord has appointed the blessing—life forevermore.” (Psalm 133:3) When a congregation lives out the unity Psalm 133:1 describes, the Lord commands a tangible, life-giving blessing that refreshes the entire fellowship and powerfully attracts the watching world to Christ. |
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