Together pleasantly

How miserable and unpleasant it is when brothers live together in disunity!

Very few people enjoy conflict, although some seem to. We are all affected by conflict in some way, especially if you spend any time with other human beings. It can give you a bad moment, a bad day or a regrettable week. Even when we avoid it, the conflict continues on the inside.

What if, for the sake of joy, we considered how we could live in greater unity?

I’m of the opinion that much of our conflict is not about the ‘issue’ that might seem to divide us at a certain time. Rather it is about our hearts and the way we relate to each other. It is useful for us to ask ourselves why we have a pattern of conflict with a certain person or around a particular issue.

How often does it simply come back to fear? Fear amplifies our concern. It makes us find points of difference that don’t actually exist. It makes us respond defensively. Fear makes us want to control the variables in order to protect our interests.

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? James 4:1

Is there anything, within you, that could be causing you unnecessary conflict?

Of course, even though most perfect person can’t stop conflict from coming their way from others. Surely we all have enough difficulty controlling ourselves to know that we cannot control anyone else. I’m very glad that, “Make every effort” wasn’t deleted from the following next verse.

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3

May we be ready to forego our pride; and may we be ready to extend grace to those who aren’t ready to. We’ll need that grace sooner or later as well.

What’s is stopping you from enjoying the “good and pleasant” part of living, “together in unity”?

Enjoy this picture from God’s Word.

How good and pleasant it is
when brothers 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 upon the collar of his robes.

It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Psalm 133