UNITY IN THE FAMILY

Psalm 133 is another song of ascents that expresses unity among God's people. Psalm 133:1-3 says, "How good and pleasant it is when God's people 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 on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore." The idea of unity in this psalm is a picture of relatives living in a shared area, sharing common interests and meeting common needs. It is like a family who loves and supports each other. The unity was compared to the anointing oil that was used by God to choose Aaron to be the High Priest of the nation of Israel. When God anointed Aaron as the High Priest, the nation of Israel was in unison. They were all agreeing to the anointing of Aaron. The unity was also compared to the refreshing dew from Mount Hermon that blesses the land. The most important lesson to learn from the unity that was talked about in this psalm is that God is the one who causes the unity among God's people. When God's people are united with God, they will also be united with each other.

It is a blessing when a family is in unity. The home becomes a place of peace and harmony. However, when a family is divided and has conflicts, it is very difficult to live together. However, there is hope to restore peace and harmony in the family. God can bring peace and harmony to our family, for He is the only one who can change hearts. The number one cause of disunity in the family is unforgiveness. Without forgiveness, there is resentment and avoidance that break communication among the family members. We must forgive if we want to restore peace and harmony in our family. If we struggle with forgiveness, we must pray and seek God to help us to forgive. The other cause of disunity in the family is an unbelieving heart towards God. If family members are not living out their Christian values and live in a sinful lifestyle, it will cause division because those who are not living according to the ways of God will live differently from those who believe in God, and that can cause conflict and misunderstanding. The solution to bring unity in the family is to pray fervently for our family and never give up in living out our Christian faith and values. We must forgive and keep on loving without compromising to a sinful lifestyle. We pray that our love for God and others will inspire the rest of the family to change.

It is a blessing when God's people or a family live together in unity. When God is in the center of the family, the family is united. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Who is the source of unity in the family? What happens when a family is in unity and harmony? What should I do if my family is not in unity?

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, You are the God of peace and unity. I pray for my family that we will all be in unity. I pray for forgiveness to flow in our family so that there will be no resentment towards each other. I pray that you will change our hearts and put you first in our lives, that we may be in one with you. You are our hope. Please bring unity and harmony in our family. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.