“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!...For there the LORD commanded the blessing—life forevermore.” (Psalm 133:1, 3, NKJV)

When we first moved to Boise in 1994, I was introduced to a group of pastors who met weekly for prayer. They came from different denominations, but there was a brotherhood among them. I had never seen anything like this. As a newcomer to Idaho, I was grateful for a place to make friends with other men who shared my passion for ministry. We met yearly in McCall for a prayer summit where we spent three days just praying, eating and enjoying fellowship. The friendships made during that time have remained with me through the years.

David also experienced the blessings of unity. We can only imagine how close he must have felt to the men who gathered around him when he was running from Saul. They became his mighty men and the core of his army. The oneness forged through suffering and battling would make them an invincible force against the enemies of Israel. But even more remarkable was their brotherly love. They would literally lay their lives down for one another.

David wrote Psalm 133 to celebrate this unity, which is like the fragrant anointing oil poured upon Aaron the high priest. Evidently, unity is also close to the heart of our Lord because He prayed for it five times in John 17.

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” (John 17:20–21, NKJV)

Unity in the church is God’s means to convince the world that He sent His Son to save mankind. As we look around and see such great divisions in our country, a unified church stands out like a beacon of light—like the searchlights they used to shine in the sky for special events. But sadly, the world has not always seen this beacon. Division has been the plague of the church.

Therefore, may we all take to heart Paul’s words to the Ephesians:

“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” (Ephesians 4:3, NLT)

If we will do this, then God will command a supernatural blessing—life forevermore!