Beauty of Unity

“The Beauty of Unity”

Psalm 133 “A Song of Ascents. Of David. 1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.” (NKJV)

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Introduction

Unity is not just a nice idea—it's a divine design. Psalm 133:1 is short, but powerfully packed with wisdom about the heart of God for His people. It is a call, a celebration, and a picture of what life in harmony can produce.

I. The Power of Unity is Divine

Psalm 133:1 begins with "Behold", meaning stop and look! This is something worthy of attention.

“How good and how pleasant” — Unity is not only morally good, but also emotionally pleasant.

God values unity so deeply because it reflects His own nature — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in perfect fellowship (see John 17:21).

John 17:21 (NKJV): “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us…”

Example: The early church in Acts experienced explosive growth not because of programs, but because they were “with one accord” (Acts 2:1, Acts 4:32). Unity allowed the Holy Spirit to move freely.

Quote: “Where there is unity there is always victory.” — Publilius Syrus

II. The Picture of Unity is Precious

David paints a vivid picture in the verses that follow Psalm 133:1:

Psalm 133:2 – Unity is like the precious oil running down Aaron’s beard — a symbol of consecration and anointing. Unity is holy.

Psalm 133:3 – It’s like the dew of Hermon, a source of refreshing and fruitfulness.

Ephesians 4:3 (NKJV): “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Unity is not automatic—it takes effort and intention.

Example: A family who worships, prays, and makes decisions together tends to remain strong through life’s storms. Like cords in a rope, their unity gives them strength (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT): “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better…”

III. The Blessing of Unity is Life-Giving

The final line of Psalm 133:3 says:

“…For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forevermore.”

Where there is unity, God commands blessing.

In families → peace replaces conflict.

In churches → revival can break out.

In communities → healing and justice are possible.

Romans 12:16 (NLT): “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!”

Example: During World War II, Winston Churchill said, “When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.” The same is true for the church and the home. Internal unity brings external strength.

IV. Barriers to Unity

Even though unity is “good and pleasant,” it doesn’t come easily. There are real obstacles that must be recognized and overcome.

1. Pride and Selfish Ambition

Philippians 2:3 (NKJV): “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”

Explanation: Pride puts "me" above "we." It makes it difficult to compromise, forgive, or even listen. When people are more concerned about their status or control than the good of the group, unity suffers.

Example: Lucifer’s fall (Isaiah 14:12–14) was rooted in pride — a desire to rise above rather than serve under. Pride divides; humility unites.

2. Unforgiveness and Offense

Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV): “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Explanation: Unresolved hurt festers into bitterness. People stop speaking, stop collaborating, or even leave churches, families, or friendships because they refuse to reconcile.

Example: Esau and Jacob were divided for years due to deceit and betrayal — only reconciliation healed that broken family (Genesis 33).

3. Gossip and Slander

Proverbs 16:28 (NLT): “A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.”

Explanation: Gossip is like poison to unity. It damages trust and spreads division behind closed doors. The tongue can build bridges—or burn them.

Quote: “The tongue has no bones, but it is strong enough to break a heart. So be careful with your words.” — Unknown

4. Tribalism and Cliques

1 Corinthians 1:10–11 (NLT): “Some of you are saying, ‘I am a follower of Paul.’ Others are saying, ‘I follow Apollos,’ or ‘I follow Peter,’ or ‘I follow only Christ.’ Has Christ been divided?”

Explanation: When people divide themselves by leader, title, status, race, or group, it creates silos instead of synergy. The Church is one body—not competing parts (1 Corinthians 12:25).

Example: Even Jesus’ disciples argued over who was the greatest (Luke 22:24). But Jesus taught that greatness comes from servanthood, not position.

5. Doctrinal Legalism and Lack of Grace

Romans 14:1 (NIV): “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”

Explanation: Sometimes believers divide over secondary issues rather than focusing on shared essentials. A lack of grace for different expressions of faith can fracture fellowship.

How to Overcome These Barriers

Cultivate Humility – Follow Christ’s example of servanthood (Philippians 2:5–8).

Practice Forgiveness – Let go of offense quickly (Ephesians 4:32).

Guard Your Speech – Speak words that build up (Ephesians 4:29).

Celebrate Diversity – Recognize the beauty in different gifts and roles (Romans 12:4–6).

Keep Christ at the Center – Unity flows when we all focus on Jesus, not on our differences.

Practical Applications

Forgive quickly. Unity often requires laying down offense. (Colossians 3:13)

Promote peace. Be a bridge, not a barrier. (Matthew 5:9)

Value every person. Unity does not mean uniformity; diversity is a strength in God’s kingdom. (1 Corinthians 12:12–27)

Closing Appeal

Let us not just read Psalm 133:1 — let us liveit.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Let your home be a home of unity. Let your church be a church of harmony. Let your heart be free from division.

Altar Call / Prayer Moment

“Lord, create in me a heart that seeks peace, that embraces unity, and that reflects Your love to others. Help me be a part of the blessing You command when unity is present.”