“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Psalms 133:1, NIV.
Unity and agreement are dissimilar.
Once, I had a friend tell me that just because she remained quiet on certain subjects didn’t mean she agreed with me. This actually surprised me, for I thought we were like-minded on most topics. Only then I realized that although we walked on the same bridge, we walked toward each other from our sides of differences. We did not walk side by side in agreement, but we did walk in unity.
This example of unity has remained with me over the years as a teaching of how we are to get along with each other. Though I might not agree with everything one of my fellow Christians says, I can stand in unity on those things we have in common. However, there are primary issues of the Bible that should not be compromised—Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, died and rose from the dead, healing man's sin condition once and for all.
I am still learning how to speak God's truth without arguing. I can only do this if I don't insist on my own way. Find common ground. I don’t have to agree with someone on every issue to remain in unity with them.
Sure, it's easier to walk side by side with someone who is like-minded. That’s easy, enjoyable, and relaxing. But God has called us into unity with each other even when we do not see eye to eye on certain subjects. God has equipped us to do so successfully when we ask for His help.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline,” 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV.
The Holy Spirit has given us the power to do what’s asked of us with a tenacious will to see it through in love. We must remember that love isn’t an emotional feeling but a choice we make to respect, honor, and care for others as Christ Jesus did.
My friend loved me enough to pursue unity, as it was in her ability to do so. She knew I disagreed with her, as she did with me, but she did not argue about things that could potentially cause a rift, trying to persuade me to agree with her. Instead, she chose to listen. It was a great lesson for me to apply to my own life with others.
I was more willing to listen to her beliefs and ideas, because she modeled it with me first. And just because I heard her, it didn’t mean I agreed. It meant I had returned her respect. Yet, she did have some great points that I have thought about over the years.
Know the truth, and the truth shall set you free—God’s word is always our final authority. But there are conversations that are simply built upon personal thoughts, beliefs and ideas. Unless they counter God’s word, we need to listen to and learn from each other. If they go against God’s word, we listen with respect. When one feels heard, they are more likely to listen to someone else.
How are we walking in unity with others today? Are we listening to argue back or do we listen with respect?
Father,
Relationships are tricky. Thank You for modeling how to manage them well.
Jesus, You must have had many conversations with which you didn’t agree when You walked the earth. Some of these are recorded in the Bible, but You were alive on earth for over 30 years. There had to be many times You thought, “Oh foolish man, you’ll understand soon enough.”
It’s okay for You to think that—You’re our King of kings—the One we worship.
The problem I have is, I usually stop at, “O foolish man.”
Help me to love and respect others the way You do.
Help me not to insist on my own way. That mindset has made a difference in the past, so help me to continue with that mindset today.
Help us all choose unity with others for Your name’s sake—in order to glorify You.
Amen.
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