What Makes Dwelling in Unity So Good and Pleasant?
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Some who criticize Christianity throw out the large number of denominations as reasons to not believe. Christian division minimizes the truth they espouse, critics say.
To some degree this is true. The Bible calls for unity, and believers continually struggle with it. In the Old Testament, God desired for Israel to be unified, even though that failed. And in the New Testament, the Scripture calls believers to unity.
Psalm 133 famously declares how “pleasant and good” it is for the people of God to dwell in unity. What does this mean for us today?
Who Wrote Psalm 133?
King David’s authorship is indicated in the superscription of the psalm, which reads “A Song of Ascents. Of David.” From his early days as a young shepherd, David wrote praise songs to God, and when he established the Tent of David outside of Jerusalem and brought the Ark back to Israel, he set up night and day worship to God, including songs.
The Songs of Ascent are a collection of 15 psalms (Psalms 120–134) sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the three major annual festivals: Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. The term “ascent” refers to the journey upwards to Jerusalem, which is situated on a high elevation. The physical ascent to the city also symbolized a spiritual ascent, as pilgrims prepared their hearts for worship and communion with God.
What Are the Elements within Psalm 133?
In Psalm 133, each element David uses carries deep symbolic meaning.
The “precious oil” represents the anointing oil used in sacred rituals, particularly in the consecration of priests. In Exodus 30:22-33, God instructs Moses to create a special anointing oil to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests. Oil symbolizes holiness, blessing, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. When David compares unity to precious oil, he highlights that unity is sacred, divinely ordained, and carries a spiritual blessing.
The “beard of Aaron” further emphasizes the priestly anointing. Aaron, as the first high priest, stands as a symbol of spiritual leadership and mediation between God and his people. The oil running down Aaron’s beard signifies the overflow of God’s blessing from the leader to the entire community. David expresses the idea that unity among God’s people is not just desirable but a divine blessing that flows through the community, starting from the leaders.
The “edge of Aaron’s garment” refers to the hem or collar of the high priest’s robe, which was adorned with bells and pomegranates (Exodus 28:33-34). Unity’s anointing is full and complete, from the head down to the very edge of the garment, indicating that God’s blessing of unity covers the entire body of believers.
The “dew of Hermon” is a metaphor for abundant and life-giving refreshment. Mount Hermon, located in the northern part of Israel, is known for its heavy dew, which nourishes the land. By comparing unity to the dew of Hermon, David suggests that unity brings about a refreshing and life-sustaining environment for the community of believers.
Finally, the “mountains of Zion” represent Jerusalem, the spiritual heart of Israel. Mount Zion, often used as a symbol for Jerusalem, signifies God’s dwelling place and the center of worship for the Israelites. By linking the dew of Hermon to the mountains of Zion, David connects the idea of unity and blessing with the sacredness of the place where God’s presence dwells and where His people gather to worship.
What Other Verses Call Christians to Unity?
Once Paul began his evangelism to the Gentiles, the Church became a diverse congregation, with people from various ethnic groups, cultures, and languages. Paul continually calls them to unity.
In Ephesians 4:3-6, Paul writes, “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Paul urges believers to maintain unity through the Spirit, underscoring the foundational elements that bind Christians together.
1 Corinthians 1:10 also speaks to this: “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” Here, Paul appeals to the Corinthian church to avoid divisions and to strive for unity in thought and purpose.
Colossians 3:14 adds another layer, stating, "But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” Love is the ultimate force that binds believers together in perfect unity, encouraging them to cultivate a community marked by love and mutual care.
Finally, Romans 12:16 gives another secret, “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.” Scripture calls Christians to live in harmony and humility, further promoting unity within the body of Christ.
What Does Our Dwelling in Unity Say about God?
Our unity as believers reflects the nature and character of God, particularly his unity within the Trinity. The Bible consistently teaches that the unity of believers is a testimony to God’s nature and serves as a powerful witness to the world.
In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays for all believers, saying, “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Christ’s prayer highlights that our unity mirrors the unity of Jesus and the Father. When we are united, it reflects the oneness and harmony that exist within the Godhead, making it clear to the world that the Father sent the Son.
The Trinity comprises the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit — three distinct Persons who are one in essence and nature. Divine oneness emphasizes the singular nature of God, even as he exists in three Persons. The Gospel of John provides further insight into this unity. John 10:30 records Jesus stating, “I and the Father are one,” affirming the intimate and indissoluble bond between him and the Father.
Moreover, the unity of the Trinity is demonstrated through the harmonious work of each Person. In creation, all three Persons are involved: the Father speaks the world into existence (Genesis 1:1), the Spirit hovers over the waters (Genesis 1:2), and the Son, as the Word, brings all things into being (John 1:1-3). Similarly, in salvation, the Father plans and sends the Son (John 3:16), the Son accomplishes redemption through His death and resurrection (John 19:30), and the Spirit applies this work to believers, sealing them for salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14).
Our unity as a church is rooted in the unity of God. As we live out spiritual and practical unity, we display the character of God and his work in our lives.
Why Is Dwelling in Unity Pleasant and Good?
First, unity among Christians signifies obedience to God’s command, which he blesses with life and peace. When believers live in harmony, they reflect God’s design for his people, fostering an environment where spiritual and emotional well-being thrives. The Father’s unity brings about peace, reducing conflicts and misunderstandings and creating a supportive community that encourages growth and maturity in faith. God is within himself a family, and believers long for the same family connections, given to us eternally within the church through Christ.
Second, seeking God’s Kingdom through unity ensures his provision. Jesus declares in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” When Christians prioritize unity and the collective pursuit of God’s purposes, they demonstrate trust in God’s provision.
Moreover, Christian unity serves as a compelling witness to the world about Jesus (John 17:21). When the world sees Christians united in love, purpose, and action, it encounters a powerful testimony of Jesus’ transformative power and the reality of his resurrection. In a broken and divided world, Christian unity speaks of the supernatural. Unity’s witness can draw others to faith, as they observe the tangible difference Christ makes in the lives of his followers.
Furthermore, unity strengthens the church’s ability to fulfill its mission. A united body of believers can effectively pool resources, talents, and spiritual gifts to serve others, evangelize, and address social injustices.
How Can We Endeavor to Dwell in Unity Today?
First and foremost, our unity already exists within Christ and the Spirit. Like our salvation, it isn’t something we can attain. He accomplished it on the cross, breaking down all division and enmity. Therefore, our unity only manifests when we place Christ at the center of all we do, and we submit to him as Lord. We intentionally choose to dwell in the unity available in Jesus. Divisions happen when our own agendas and selfish desires get in the way. With this in mind, we can begin with other spiritual disciplines to dwell in unity.
From the unity within Christ, right doctrine is important. While Christians believe diverse things, the simple Apostle’s Creed reveals unified Christian doctrine by succinctly summarizing essential beliefs shared by diverse Christian traditions. It affirms foundational tenets such as belief in God the Father Almighty, Jesus Christ as His only Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Creed highlights key events in Christ’s life, including His birth, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, emphasizing salvation and eternal life. By encapsulating core doctrines, the Apostle’s Creed serves as a common declaration of faith, promoting unity and continuity within the Christian community, bridging denominational differences and reinforcing shared convictions across centuries.
We further promote unity through active peacemaking and reconciliation. Jesus emphasized the importance of peacemaking in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:9). By addressing misunderstandings and grievances openly and lovingly, we create an environment where unity can flourish.
Practicing forgiveness is also crucial for maintaining unity. In Ephesians 4:32, Paul urges, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Holding onto grudges or past hurts can create division and hinder unity. By extending forgiveness to others, we reflect God’s grace and promote a culture of mercy and understanding within the community.
James 1:19 advises, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Effective communication involves not only expressing our own thoughts and feelings but also genuinely listening to and understanding others. Mutual respect and empathy help bridge gaps and build stronger, more cohesive relationships.
Shared worship and service are powerful unifying practices. Hebrews 10:24-25 describes it this way, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” This reinforces our common faith and purpose. Regular communal worship helps center our focus on God and reminds us of our shared identity in Christ.
Christ-like service brings unity. Galatians 5:13 encourages, “Serve one another humbly in love.” When we work together to serve others, whether within the church or in the broader community, we strengthen our bonds and demonstrate the love of Christ. Joint service projects and missions can unite believers around a common goal, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared mission.
Finally, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment helps with unity. Romans 15:7 states, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” By embracing diversity and valuing each person’s unique contributions, we create a community where everyone feels valued and included, further strengthening our unity.
With Christ’s unity, we become the family we all long for and an outpost of hope for a broken and divided world, showing how God can do the impossible.
Peace.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Dimitri Houtteman
