"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Psalms 119:18 (KJV)
Daily Devotion in Psalm 133
Daily Nugget:
“A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
One of the hardest things in life is to get along with others. We are all different, and we will have our own opinions. Also, disagreements and disapproval of what others do may cause strife.
However, if one is a Christian, we should get along with others, especially other believers. After one is born-again into the family of God, one has an obligation and is commanded to be on friendly terms with fellow Christians.
There is much in God’s Word about getting along with other Christians. Here is some of what the Bible teaches about having relationships with other believers:
- We are commanded to get along with other Christians and love them.
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” John 15:12
“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Gal. 5:14 Also: John 15:17, Rom. 13:8., Gal. 5:14, I Thes. 3:12, I Thes. 4:9, Heb. 13:1, I Peter 1:22, 2:17, I John 3:11, 23, I John 4:7, 11-12. - Christians should desire to fellowship with those of similar beliefs.
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” Rom. 12:10 - There will be differences and disagreements among believers, but we must strive to get along with others.
“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;” Eph. 4:2
“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” I Peter 5:5 - Ultimately, all Christians should be like-minded in the things of God. Our beliefs should unify us.
“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:2
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:“ I Pet. 3:8 - Not only should we love our Christian brothers and sisters, but we should strive to help and meet their needs.
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Gal. 5:13
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” Heb. 10:24 - Christians are your brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray for them as you would your biological family members.
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16 - Getting along with other believers is a good testimony to others watching our lives. Likewise, those at odds with other members of the family of God are poor testimonies. Disunity among the brethren is observed and is often the reason others no longer go to church or associate with believers.
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35
It is not always easy to get along with others, including Christians. However, some of the worst damage done to Christianity is the feuding, fussing, and fuming among believers. The world sees it, and it becomes a black eye for the cause of Christ.
It takes Christian maturity and often much humbleness, but for Christ’s sake and His cause, we must try to love our fellow believers. It can be most “pleasant” when we get along with Christian family members.
Today’s Thought:
“Love is the doorway through which the human soul passes from selfishness to service and from solitude to kinship with all mankind.” — Author Unknown
Words to Understand:
Brethren: In this case, it refers to other born-again children of God.
Today’s Reading:
Psalm 133
1 A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.