Dwelling Together in Unity

This psalm describes the blessing of unity among the people of God, calling it good and pleasant. “Good” is a word used of God’s creation (Genesis 1:4, 31), so it is good because it has been made by God. “Pleasant” is often associated with the sweet sound of praise (Psalm 135:3; 147:1), so this honors God. Let us consider what this short psalm teaches us.

Our Unity Is to Be Among Brethren

• The psalmist did not talk about the world dwelling together in unity – that may be a nice thought, but it is not at all realistic; Jesus came to bring peace, but not that kind of peace (Luke 2:14)
• Not all unity is good and pleasant – unity with the world is hostility toward God (James 4:4; cf. John 15:18-19); unity with the religious world (in error) causes us to lose fellowship with God (2 John 9-11)
• The world promotes “unity in diversity” – we must strive for “unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3-6); there should be no divisions among us (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Our Unity Sets Us Apart from the World

• The psalmist likened our unity to the oil used to consecrate Aaron – this set him apart (Exodus 30:30); we are also to be set apart / holy (1 Peter 1:15-16; 2:9)
• Jesus prayed for His followers to have unity (John 17:20-21) – like He had with the Father; this is something the world would notice; people should recognize that we are different (Romans 12:2)
• Not different just for the sake of being different – not trying to draw attention to ourselves (many do this); we are trying to draw attention to the Lord (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12); all of us together do this

Our Unity Is Where We Receive God’s Blessings

• The beginning of this psalm describes unity itself as being a blessing (good and pleasant) – yet it also represents the place in which we receive God’s blessings (“there” – v. 3)
• The Lord brought us together in the church (Ephesians 2:13-16) – all spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3); to be in Christ is to be in His church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:13)
• The specific blessing mentioned is “life forever” – Jesus is the Savior of the body (Ephesians 5:23); we need to be added to His church (Acts 2:47), then be an active part of it (Ephesians 4:16)

Conclusion

• Unity among God’s people is good and pleasant – but only if it is according to God’s standard
• This unity will make us different from the world – but this is how (and where) we receive God’s greatest blessings