Living in Harmony with Others
God wants us to have unity and good relationships with our family, friends, church, and neighbors. However, living in harmony with others can be challenging. We may face conflicts, misunderstandings, or disagreements that can cause division and hurt. But how can we overcome these challenges and experience unity and good relationships with others? Below are some biblical principles and examples that can help us:
Love one another
The most important commandment that Jesus gave us is to love God and our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). Love is the foundation of unity and good relationship. It covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Also, it is patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil, rejoices with the truth, protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Love does not harm a neighbor (Romans 13:10). It is the bond of perfect unity (Colossians 3:14).
Example from the Bible
An example of love is the story of Ruth and Naomi in the book Ruth. Ruth was a Moabite woman who married an Israelite man named Mahlon. Mahlon died with his Father, Elimelech, and his brother, Kilion, leaving behind their widows, Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah. Naomi decided to return to her homeland of Judah and urged her daughters-in-law to return to their people and find new husbands.
Orpah agreed, but Ruth refused. She told Naomi, “Don’t urge me to leave or return from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and I will be buried there. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me” (Ruth 1:16-17).
Ruth showed great love and loyalty to Naomi by leaving her country and following her to a foreign land. She also worked hard to provide for Naomi by gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech. God blessed Ruth’s love and faithfulness by giving her a new husband in Boaz and a son named Obed, who became the grandfather of King David.
Forgive one another
Maintaining unity and a healthy relationship requires forgiveness. It involves releasing resentment, bitterness, anger, or need for revenge toward those who have hurt or wronged us. By forgiving, we break free from the chains of sin and restore our connections with God and others. Forgiveness is not optional for Christians; it is a command from God. Jesus emphasized that God will not forgive us if we do not forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15). Moreover, He instructed us to forgive others seven times and seventy-seven times (Matthew 18:21-22). Although forgiveness may not come naturally, it is achievable through God’s grace and humility.
Example from the Bible
The story of Joseph and his brothers in the Book of Genesis is a powerful example of forgiveness. Joseph was Father Jacob’s favorite son, which caused resentment among his brothers. They traded him into slavery in Egypt, where he was falsely charged and tossed into prison. Despite these hardships, Joseph’s faith in God never wavered. Eventually, he was elevated to second-in-command over all of Egypt.
Joseph’s brothers did not recognize him when they came to Egypt during a famine. He tested them by accusing them of being spies and demanding they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their honesty. Joseph also secretly put his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack and threatened to keep him as an enslaved person when he found it. However, Judah stepped forward and offered himself as a substitute for Benjamin. Joseph was moved by Judah’s sacrifice and revealed his true identity to his brothers, forgiving them for their past wrongdoings. This narrative instructs us on the significance of forgiveness and the power of God’s grace.
Serve one another
It is essential to adhere to certain principles to foster unity and healthy relationships. One such principle is service, which involves prioritizing the needs and interests of others above our own. Being humble, generous, and helpful to those around us is vital to practicing service. Jesus is an exemplary role model of service, as He came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many, rather than to be served (Mark 10:45). Furthermore, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and urged them to do the same for one another (John 13:14-15). Practicing service is a way of demonstrating affection and appreciation towards God and others.
Example from the Bible
An inspiring story of service is recounted in the Book of Acts, featuring a disciple named Dorcas who lived in Joppa. She dedicated herself to helping people experiencing poverty by creating clothing for widows and orphans, which earned her the affection of her community. When she passed away, the people sought out Peter, who was nearby in Lydda, to perform a miracle. Peter arrived to find the widows mourning and showing him the clothing that Dorcas had made for them.
He sent them out of the room and prayed before turning to the deceased woman and saying, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes and sat up when she saw Peter, who took her hand and helped her to stand. Peter then gathered the believers and widows together to present Dorcas alive to them, a testament to her selfless service that had touched so many lives and earned God’s blessings.
Encouragement
A great way to promote positive relationships and unity is by offering encouragement. Encouragement involves providing support, hope, or comfort to those facing struggles or challenges. It means speaking kind and uplifting words to those who feel discouraged or insecure. Encouragement also involves supporting each other in faith, love, and good deeds.
Example from the Bible
One person who exemplified this was Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement.” Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus who sold his land and donated the money to the apostles (Acts 4:36-37). After his conversion, he also introduced Paul to the apostles and supported him in his ministry (Acts 9:26-27). Barnabas even accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey and defended him when some Jewish believers insisted that Gentile converts should be circumcised (Acts 15:1-2). Barnabas made a significant impact in advancing God’s kingdom by being a loyal friend and encourager.
Prayer
One way to promote unity and positive relationships is through prayer. Prayer involves:
- Talking to God about anything that concerns us or others, such as expressing gratitude.
- Confessing our sins.
- Making requests.
- Interceding for others.
We acknowledge our dependence on God through prayer and seek His guidance and power. Jesus prayed for himself and others, setting an example for us to follow (Luke 5:16; John 17).
Example from the Bible
The story of Daniel in the Book of Daniel illustrates the power of prayer. Despite being taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon, Daniel remained faithful to God. He prayed three times daily, facing Jerusalem (Daniel 6:10). He prayed for himself, friends, people, and rulers, seeking God’s mercy, wisdom, and protection.
One of the best ways to experience unity and positive relationships with others is by showing love, forgiveness, and support and offering prayers for one another. These actions honor God and bring blessings to those around us. Additionally, when prioritizing unity and good relationships, we reap benefits such as peace, joy, strength, growth, and the ability to witness God’s love. As Psalm 133:1 states, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Bible Verses on How to Live in Harmony with Others (Bible Verses 1-6)
- If your brother sins against you, tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. Matthew 18:15
- I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you but that you be united in the same mind and judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10
- No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us, perfecting his love in us. 1 John 4:12
- Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3
- I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, … Ephesians 4:1-6
- That together you may, with one voice, glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:6
Bible Verses on How to Live in Harmony with Others (Bible Verses 7-14)
7. That together you may, with one voice, glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:6
8. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your sight. Romans 12:16
9. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5
10. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but humbly count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3
11. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher and are all brothers. Matthew 23:8
12. …brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration comfort, agree with one another, and live in peace; the God of love and peace will be with you. 1 Peter 3:8
13. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10
14. Finally, all of you have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8
In short, the Bible teaches us the importance of unity and maintaining positive relationships for spiritual growth and witness. God commands us to love one another just as He has loved us, to forgive each other as He has forgiven us, and to uplift one another as we follow Christ. Unity is not merely a human ideal but a divine gift reflecting God’s nature. God is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Through Jesus Christ, we have access to the Father through the Spirit and are reconciled to God and each other.
We are called to live in harmony with everyone, despite our differences, and to do our utmost to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. By pursuing agreement and cultivating good relationships, we glorify God and demonstrate His love and mercy to the world.
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