The Blessing of Unity

Psalm 133 celebrates harmonious living. It begins by stating, "How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity." It equates unity to precious oil and dew. In those times, oil was a precious commodity. It was reserved for essential things like light and heat. Only during festivals was it used extravagantly to celebrate well-being. The psalmist suggests that unity is as precious and essential to life as oil and should be celebrated and delighted in when it is present. Dew is thought of in much the same way. In the arid climate of the psalmist dew (moisture) is seen as a gift from God and a cause for celebration. Both dew and oil enhance and affirm life. The psalmist suggests that communal unity does the same thing.

What does it mean to live in community when we are all so different? It’s almost laughable to think that we can abide together in a unified state when we live in a world where we grow suspicious of anyone labeled as "other." God is not naïve. God knows the challenges to unity. God knows unity will be a rare find amongst us. Perhaps that is is why he equates it to precious commodities like oil and dew. Nevertheless, God calls us to unity anyway.

If you are a student reading this, think about your living situation. If you are a staff or faculty member think about your work environment. In both of these situations, ask yourself what you can do to make your community better. How can you be an instigator of the unity among those with whom you live and work? Unity doesn’t happen over night, but think of ways that you can bring about positive change in the world around you. Start small in your everyday world. Perhaps it means taking the time to stop and talk with a person in the hallway you generally just pass by. Perhaps it means reaching out to those that you know are having a difficult time right now. How about even being friendly with those that usually rub you the wrong way?

Unity doesn’t happen over night, nor does it mean that we deny our unique selves. Unity is a rare find where diverse people come together to strengthen and support one another. Doesn’t that sound good? What will you do this week to bring us one step closer?

Prayer: Creator God, thank you for making me who I am. Allow me to see you in those around me. Help me to reach out to my brothers and sisters. I pray for unity among us. Amen.