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May 13, 2023 06:00am

Unity Despite Differences

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I read a quote recently that said, “unity results when love intersects difference.” Even though I know all the words in the quote, the combination of these words left me puzzled. So I decided to work out my thoughts on paper!

I began by defining key words as follows:
Unity- the state of being united or joined as a whole; forming a complete and pleasing whole, the formation of a complex whole out of multiple parts
Love – long-suffering or patient, kind, not envious, doesn’t boast, is not prideful, is not rude, is not self-serving, is not easily angered, or resentful, does not celebrate sin, but rejoices in truth (This definition is found in I Cor. 13 and is the definition of Godly love.)

God calls His followers to unity in many aspects of our lives: unity with Christ, with our spouses, and with other believers. Unity among God’s people is one of the ways we emulate the image of God, depicting the three different persons of God (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) all unified in one essence and one purpose.

I think it’s important to understand that unity is NOT uniformity, nor is it conforming or compromising out of pressure or fear. God has created each of us exactly as He pleased, so that when paired together with others, His unique design of both can work in harmony to glorify God and accomplish the purpose for which He brought us together. I Corinthians 12 talks about this concept extensively when speaking of the body of believers who make up the church. It encourages us to be content with how God has formed us, and how God has formed others for His glory. The trouble is, we tend to despise the differences between us rather than appreciate and embrace them. This is where the intersection of love makes the difference. We tend to think of love as good and pleasant feelings toward someone, but the definition of love from Scripture is not that at all. It begins with patience or long-suffering. I don’t think this is listed first by chance! It’s easy to become irritated with someone whose ideas or methods are completely different from yours. But whatever differences we encounter require patience, kindness, humility, and selflessness in our responses so that we emulate and honor God. When unified by love in the purpose God has given us, we are content for God to use whomever He chooses and bless whomever He chooses because our motivation is for His glory alone. I encourage you to consider the traits of love and how you can use them as you pursue unity with others. God can transform your heart and your relationships in the process.

Psalm 133 is a passage on unity, that as I studied out the concept of unity that piqued my curiosity. It is only 3 verses long but is a beautiful metaphor depicting the potential unity among the followers of Christ.
Verse 1 says, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell in unity!” This psalm was written by David and is one of fourteen psalms that comprise the section called the “Songs of Ascents.” It’s a collection of songs sung or recited as worshippers made their way up to the temple in Jerusalem for their yearly sacrifices. As I read this first verse, I wonder what David saw that made him say, “Behold…”. Was he on a hillside watching worshippers work their way up the winding roads from all directions, as the rocks echoed their songs of praise? Was he watching as brethren greeted one another with joyful warmth and talked through all the events since the last time they met together? Was he watching as travelers helped one another with a broken-down cart or injured animal or sharing a cool drink of water? I don’t really know what David saw, but it merited a call for us to “behold.” He was inspired to expound on it in two following verses.

Some observations from those two verses will hopefully open our eyes a little more to what we can and should ‘behold’ regarding unity among the followers of God. David begins with the metaphor of unity being “like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down to the edge of his garments.” This metaphor is very specific to the anointing of Aaron the priest, implying that unity is a holy thing from God. Our ability to respond to differences in love is an ability that comes from the Spirit of God dwelling and working in us as stated in Galatians 5:22. The oils used for anointing were typically fragrant oils similar to oils we use in many “aromatherapy” products. They bring calm and pleasure to the person upon which they are being poured, but not only to that person but the people around them as well.

Unity as defined above is the same. It satisfies us and those around us because it involves kindness, patience, and selflessness which are key for relational health. This metaphor is an indication of how this blessing we bestow on one another is not something we just approach and admire for a moment and keep walking. It’s the kind of blessing that isn’t only confined to the place on which it fell, but it’s able to cover the whole body of Christ.

The metaphor in verse 3 gives us yet another aspect of the impact of unity in the lives of believers. It is compared to the dew of Mt. Hermon, which is a significant and holy place throughout Old Testament history and is the mountain crossing where the promised land begins. The land surrounding Mt Hermon is considered one of the most fertile areas due to copious and heavy amounts of dew that come down from the mountain. It makes for a refreshing and cool place covered in orchards and gardens.

The conclusion then is that unity is not only a command from God but a call to a life-giving practice. When we pursue this unity with one another, it is a sweet-smelling aroma to God as His children exercise the kind of love He has demonstrated toward us. May we pursue heartily this call to unity that is a testament to God’s love for all.