Unity among true brethren is unique. It is not only “good,” but also “pleasant.” The psalmist gave an illustration of the indispensableness of unity using the priesthood of Aaron. The unity and fellowship in his ministry is “like the precious ointment (poured) upon (his) head,” which flowed down to his face, “beard,” “skirts” and even to the hem of “his garments.” It affected the whole body. Similarly, unity characterises the whole body of Christ. Whatever our status in life, unity in fellowship is essential and irreplaceable because it refreshes and brings blessings.

The scripture shows that there are always false brethren, untrustworthy, manipulative, inordinately ambitious, and downright wicked. Even in the family of David, King of Israel, two of such persons, Ammon and Absalom, were found. Although they were part of a large family, with many siblings, they did not act as true brethren. Likewise, in the church, Paul the apostle warned of the activities of false brethren. He, in fact, personally suffered perils “among false brethren” (2 Corinthians 11:26). Yet, the plan of God is for believers to be knit together in unity, and to enjoy the heavenly benefit offered by the family of God.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Believers experience the pleasantness of unity in the church, through the love that endures.

We are transformed by Christ, so, we can dwell in unity with other believers. We were sinners in the past, but became members of the household of faith when we turned away from our sinful lifestyle, and our hearts were transformed through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This change does not isolate us from other believers. Whatever spiritual experience we may possess, we cannot run the Christian race alone. We need each other.

Having been transformed by grace, God gives us “one heart, and one way, that (we) may fear (Him) for ever, for (our) good (and that of our) children.” Christ also prayed for our sanctification that “(we)… all may be one,” with the same vision, goal, perspective, focus and purpose in the family of God. This is different from the unity of those who built the tower of Babel. They were united, but not in righteousness nor to accomplish divine purpose.

God expects all Christians to dwell together in unity. But we cannot achieve unity in absentia. We cannot, as some people do, stay apart from other brethren in order to avoid dispute or disagreement. We should not forget that when God commands us to “dwell together in unity,” He does not intend that it should be mental or mechanical in nature, instead, it is that we should be “likeminded one toward another.”

We should deliberately choose to see things from their perspective, speak the same language and understand things the way they do. Despite the differences in our background and upbringing, in our drive and personal goals, desires and aspirations, we must submit to the will of Christ that “speak the same thing” and be “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

Believers’ dwelling together should be dynamic, lively and purposeful. Unfortunately, even some married couples do not exemplify this togetherness. They treat each other with a measure of reservation, especially when they are offended. Believers should nonetheless, dwell together to serve the Lord, plan and work progressively. We do not spend our energy on avoidable arguments, conflicts or disputes. In unity, we should add value to other believers, so, as to improve our own conditions. Prophet Isaiah dwelt with a people he described as possessing unclean lips. Their unclean nature did not allow them to be useful in God’s sight. It was left for the prophet to cry out for cleansing from all filthiness.

• Further reading (King James Version): Psalm 133:1-3. Jeremiah 32:39; Ezekiel 11:19,20. John 17:17,18,21. Psalm 133:1; Romans 15:5,6; 1 Corinthians 1:10. Psalms 133:1; 101:6,7; 140:13; Judges 18:7-10; Isaiah 6:5-8; 58:10-12. Exodus 7;1,2; 1 Samuel 12:6; Hebrews 5:4. Exodus 30:22,25,30-33; Leviticus 10:8-11; 24:1-4; Exodus 28:1-4,12,29,36. Genesis 27:28,29; Exodus 16:13-15; Deuteronomy 32:2; 33:13-15,28,29; Isaiah 55:10,11; Hosea 14:5-9; Isaiah 58:10-12.