Search
Unity and Harmony with One Another
For this week’s reflection, we look at a series of verses that focus on how we have unity and harmony with one another because of who we are in Christ
50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” -Mark 9:50
6 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. -Romans 12:16
16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. -Romans 16:16
20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. -1 Corinthians 16:20
12 Greet one another with a holy kiss – 2 Corinthians 13:12
11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? -James 4:11-12
7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. -James 5:7-9
14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ. 1 Peter 5:14
Reflection
We are spiritual beings clothed in physical bodies that God, the Creator, meticulously designed with great detail. He cares about our spiritual nature as well as the physical. In fact, one of the ways God fills our spirits is through the physical nature of the world and people around us. That is the essence of Christ Incarnate – Jesus putting on flesh to be physically among us. God designed every human to need the physical affirmation of love. Ironically, the convenience of a digital world gave us access to anything we want, yet unfulfilled and craving for more out of life.
There is nothing that can replace a community living in unity and harmony when we are together. It demonstrates the power of God’s grace, love, and desire for reconciliation in our world, not with mere words but by physically being able to share a space and stand harmoniously together.
Scripture takes it even further by instructing believers to “greet each other with a holy kiss.” This is simply a cultural expression of acceptance among equals to demonstrate friendship and honor. In our culture, it could look like a hug, a hand on a shoulder that comforts, or clasped-hands that acknowledge support.
- Why should the body of Christ live in harmony? How would it affect our world if we did?
- What keeps us from living in harmony? And how can we change that?
- Why is it important to “physically” show love and acceptance?
- Name three people you can intentionally demonstrate love and acceptance this week.