By Oyewole O. Sarumi
Text: Psalm 133:1 — “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!”
Key Scriptures:
Psalm 133; John 17:21; Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Romans 12:10; Colossians 3:23; 1 Peter 4:8; Genesis 2:15; Luke 6:31.
Few things in Scripture are described with such vivid delight as unity among God’s people. Psalm 133, short as it is, shines like a rare jewel in the Psalter.
In just three verses, David exclaims, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). He likens it to the precious anointing oil running down Aaron’s beard and to the refreshing dew of Mount Hermon, symbols of blessing, consecration, and divine refreshment.
In our generation, this ancient song is more relevant than ever. We live in a time marked by polarization, in nations, families, workplaces, and even within the household of faith. Differences of opinion easily turn into walls of hostility. Competition often replaces cooperation.
Suspicion overshadows sincerity. Yet, amid this fragmentation, the Spirit of God still calls His people to live out the beauty of unity that reflects His own divine nature.
Unity is not a luxury; it is a necessity. I
t is not merely a strategy for church growth or family peace, it is the very expression of God’s love at work in human relationships. Jesus Himself prayed for it on the eve of His crucifixion: “That they all may be one, just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You” (John 17:21). Unity, therefore, is not human convenience but divine command.
In this sermon, we will explore the foundation, the challenges, the principles, and the blessings of unity, especially as it flows from the heart of God’s love.
We will see that unity is not uniformity, but harmony; not sameness, but spiritual synergy. It begins in the home, extends to the church, and radiates into every sphere of life, work, business, and community.
Understanding Unity: What It Is and What It Is Not
The word “unity” in Psalm 133 translates from the Hebrew yachad, meaning “togetherness, harmony, agreement.” It speaks of people moving in one direction with one heart and purpose. Unity is not the absence of difference but the presence of divine love that binds differences together for a greater purpose.
Unity is not uniformity. Uniformity means everyone must look, think, and act the same. Unity celebrates diversity under a common mission. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul reminds us that the body of Christ has many members, each with unique functions, yet all belong to one body (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). The hand is not the eye, and the ear is not the foot, but together they make a complete body.
Unity is not compromise. We do not achieve true unity by ignoring truth or condoning sin. Ephesians 4:3 exhorts us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” This kind of unity is grounded in truth, not in convenience.
Unity is not passive agreement. It is active cooperation. It requires intentional effort, humility, and patience. It is choosing to walk in love even when misunderstandings arise, because love “covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
So then, unity is the divine alignment of hearts under the lordship of Christ. It is when God’s people, diverse in background, talent, and personality, synchronize their lives around the love of God and the mission of His Kingdom.
The Foundation of Unity: God’s Love at the Center
a. God’s Love as the Source
The foundation of unity is not human effort or mutual interests but the love of God. “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and unity flows naturally from that divine nature. When believers are rooted in God’s love, division loses its grip.
Romans 5:5 says, “The love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” This means every true Christian carries within them the capacity to love others beyond natural preference: to forgive, to serve, to reconcile.
When the Holy Spirit fills a believer, self-centeredness is replaced by Christ-centeredness. Love becomes the language of the heart, and unity becomes the melody of the community.
b. The Expression of God’s Love
God’s love is not sentimental or abstract, it expresses itself through tangible actions:
Kindness and compassion (Ephesians 4:32): showing gentleness to the weak and patience with the slow.
Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13): refusing to hold grudges because Christ forgave us.
Brotherly love (Romans 12:10): preferring others above ourselves, even when it costs us comfort.
Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Love, therefore, is not an emotion we feel; it’s a commitment we live.
When we live in God’s love, unity becomes natural, not forced, not negotiated, but spontaneous. A church, home, or workplace filled with love becomes a magnet and dwelling place for the presence of God.
Where Unity Begins: The Spheres of Oneness
Unity begins not in the pulpit but in the heart. It starts small, in our personal relationships, and then expands outward through positive and godly actions.
a. In the Home
The home is the first seminary of unity. It’s where love is tested daily and forgiveness is practiced often. A house divided cannot stand (Mark 3:25). Every family must build on five key pillars:
Love – unconditional acceptance that mirrors Christ’s love.
Trust – confidence that each member seeks the other’s good.
Togetherness – shared experiences that strengthen bonds.
Communication – honest and respectful dialogue that prevents bitterness.
Understanding – the humility to see from another’s point of view.
When families live by these principles, the home becomes a sanctuary of peace, a living testimony of God’s Kingdom on earth.
b. In the Church
The church is meant to be a community of love, not a crowd of consumers. Yet today, many congregations struggle with divisions rooted in ego, race, class, or theology.
Paul urged the Philippian church, “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2). He then added, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Unity in the church demands humility. It demands that we lay down personal preferences for the greater mission, the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
A united church preaches louder than any sermon. It is the most powerful apologetic for the gospel in a divided world.
c. In the Workplace and Society
Unity also matters in our professional and civic lives. As believers, we are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), not troublemakers. Whether in business, politics, or community service, we must model cooperation, fairness, and integrity.
Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” When we approach our work as service to God and others, we contribute to a culture of respect and collaboration, a reflection of the Kingdom in a secular space.
The Challenges to Unity
Unity is beautiful, but it’s not automatic. It faces constant threats from within and without.
a. Pride: The greatest enemy of unity is the desire to be right, first, or superior. Proverbs 13:10 says, “Where there is strife, there is pride.” Pride makes us self-centered, while love makes us others-centered.
b. Offense: Relationships often crumble because of unresolved hurts. Jesus warned, “Offenses will surely come” (Luke 17:1). The key is not avoiding offense but learning to forgive quickly.
c. Gossip and Division: The tongue can either build bridges or burn them. Paul cautioned believers to avoid “slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder” (2 Corinthians 12:20). The health of any community depends on what people do with their words.
d. Cultural and Personal Differences: The church is diverse, and that diversity can be a challenge if not handled with grace. Unity requires seeing others not through the lens of difference, but through the eyes of Christ.
e. The Devil’s Strategy: Satan thrives in division. From Eden to Corinth, he has used division to weaken God’s people. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood.” The real battle for unity is spiritual, and prayer is our greatest weapon.
The Principles of Unity: Building Blocks for Peace
a. Embrace Differences
God designed diversity on purpose. In Revelation 7:9, heaven is portrayed as a multitude from “every nation, tribe, people, and language” worshiping together. Unity does not erase distinction; it celebrates it under God’s rule.
b. Practice Mutual Respect
Romans 12:10 says, “Outdo one another in showing honor.” Respect means valuing others even when we disagree. It means recognizing that every person bears the image of God.
c. Seek Common Ground
Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together unless they agree?” Finding common ground does not mean compromising convictions but aligning around Christ’s mission — to love God and love others.
d. Forgive Generously
Unity cannot survive without forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 calls us to be “kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Forgiveness is the bridge between brokenness and restoration.
e. Speak the Truth in Love
Ephesians 4:15 instructs us to “speak the truth in love.” Truth without love wounds; love without truth weakens. But when combined, they heal and strengthen relationships.
The Fruit of Unity: Blessings That Flow from Oneness
Psalm 133 not only describes the beauty of unity but also its blessings.
“It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down to the edge of his garments.”
This image of oil represents anointing, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Unity invites the Spirit’s presence. Division drives Him away. When God’s people walk in harmony, the oil of the Spirit flows freely, bringing healing, vision, and power.
Then David adds, “It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion.” Dew symbolizes refreshment and fruitfulness. Just as dew nourishes dry ground, unity revives weary hearts. A united church experiences revival; a divided one withers.
Finally, the psalm concludes: “For there the Lord commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” Unity is the atmosphere where God commands His blessing. Not negotiates it. Not suggests it. He commands it.
Where unity dwells, God’s life flows. Families flourish. Churches grow. Communities heal.
Cultivating a Spirit of Unity in Daily Life
If we truly have God’s love in our hearts, it will show in how we live. A believer walking in unity will:
Share the Word — not to argue, but to build up.
Testify of God’s goodness — not merely in possessions but in character transformation.
Love their neighbour — like the Good Samaritan, crossing boundaries to serve.
Speak the truth — even when it’s costly.
Help others — willingly, generously, without seeking recognition.
Live by the golden rule — “Do unto others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31).
Unity begins in the little things, a forgiving word, a humble apology, a shared prayer, a helping hand. It grows where love leads and dies where pride reigns.
United in Love, Empowered for Purpose
Psalm 133 begins with a call to behold; “Behold, how good and pleasant it is…” The psalmist invites us not just to understand unity intellectually, but to admire it, to cherish it, to pursue it passionately.
The Church of Christ, the families of believers, and every Christian community must reflect the unity of the Triune God; Father, Son, and Spirit. Just as the Trinity exists in perfect harmony, so must God’s people.
In a divided world, the unity of the saints is the Church’s most compelling testimony. When people see believers walking in love; across race, class, and culture, they catch a glimpse of heaven on earth.
Let us, therefore, develop a strong unity spirit. Let us guard against pride, gossip, and division. Let us cultivate love, humility, and forgiveness. For where unity dwells, God commands His blessing, not just prosperity, but peace, not just success, but spiritual vitality.
May our homes, churches, and workplaces become sanctuaries of divine harmony, where the fragrance of God’s love lingers and His glory abides.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:3
Prof. Sarumi, a Bible scholar and pastor writes from Lagos.