There is great strength in unity. But how do we live in harmony with others? The Bible is full of encouragement and instructions on this. In Psalm 133:1, it says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” It is indeed good and pleasant to live together in unity. Here are five ways to help you increase harmony with others.
Love is a Catalyst for Unity
“By this, we know love because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” – 1 John 3:16. This is not just a smile and pat you on the back kind of love. This is sacrificial, Agape love that is true, unconditional love. We need to have Agape love for each other. First Corinthians 13 has been affectionately called “The Love Chapter” of the Bible. In it, we see what love is and what it isn’t. The last part emphasizes the importance of love: “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” The Greatest Commandment is found in Matthew 22:36-40, which urges us to love God and love people. If we apply all these verses about love, we will not lack unity with others.
Don’t Offend or Be Easily Offended
One of the most common tricks of the enemy, Satan, used to cause a lack of unity is offense. Offense is a great enemy of unity. Offense causes us to build emotional walls to protect us from further injury, but those same walls can cause us to be prisoners. Proverbs 18:19 says an offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Sometimes, we are the ones being offensive, and other times, we are the ones on the receiving end of offense. Either way, this should not be.
Forgive One Another
In Matthew 18:21-22, the conversation between Jesus and Peter admonishes us on how often we must forgive someone daily- seventy times seven! Have you ever had to forgive someone 490 times in one day? Probably not. It is a wildly exaggerated number to show us the importance of forgiving others. Mark Twain said, “Forgiveness is the fragrance a violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” Unforgiveness hurts you more than the offender, and it can make you bitter. Be better and forgive. It frees you and them! Furthermore, Matthew 6:14-15 tells us that God will not forgive us if we don’t forgive others.
Humility Cultivates Unity
Philippians 2:3-4 tells us, “In humility, value others above yourselves.” Ephesians 4:2 urges us to be humble and gentle, making room for others’ flaws just as Jesus does for ours. Don’t think you know it all. You don’t. I don’t. Look out for the best interests of others. Don’t neglect hanging out with ordinary people. Doing these things can help build bridges with our fellow humans, helping us to live in harmony with them.
Watch Your Tongue
Proverbs 21:23 tells us to watch our tongue and keep our mouth shut so we will stay out of trouble. How many times have unpleasant words contributed to a lack of unity? In the words of a little rabbit named Thumper, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.” Words can hurt, so choose ones that contribute to the overall good of those around you.
Closing Thoughts
If unity begins with you, it starts with your heart and your relationship with God. Then, you can translate that into your relationship with others. Romans 15:5-7 urges us to live in harmony, encouraging and accepting one another just as Christ accepted us. Helen Keller said, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” Be the one who chooses to live in harmony with others, even when it’s hard. Because together, we are stronger.
