How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
Psalm 133 NIV
Like a Child
Our four year old daughter stormed through the front door, flung herself on the sofa and with a Scarlet Ohara flair declared, “I just don’t understand why we all can’t get along.” As I wrapped her in my arms, her initial frustration turned to sobbing. As crocodile tears streamed down her face, she continued, “Why can’t we play nice? I want to get along with everyone, but they’re all fighting. Can’t you make them stop, Mommy?”
And there you have it. The desire for unity summed up with naive simplicity by a pure hearted little girl that just wants everyone to get along.
As I held her and spoke comforting words over her, I could feel her spirit settle. That’s when the real work began. We talked about deeply rooted sin, her sin and my sin, and how getting along starts with our need to repent first and repent often. She began to defend, “That’s not fair. I didn’t do any…” Nope, I cut her off right there. “To love others through tough times, we must put on love like Jesus did and that’s really hard to do. We must begin with ourselves.” I reminded her.
A few minutes later, the door bell rang. It was the “fighters” wanting to play again. I walked them through simple steps of reconcilation. (As parents, we must start that modeling young.) With hugs dolled out, apologies given, and forgiveness received, I witnessed a new found gratitude of grace found in second chances, mixed with anticipation of new beginnings.
Arms linked together, they ran out the door with joyful giggles filling my front yard. What a change from moments earlier. Why can’t it be that simple? We have a lot to learn from children.
Today we’re granted a Do-Over: a fresh start, a new morning filled with unknown possibilities. How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live in unity. I desire that, but rarely is it restored with a front yard apology. It’s realigning our priorities and elevating others.
It means bravely showing up for the everyday, even in those hard, moments when we don’t want to welcome others, when we’d rather retreat, yet we push forward anyhow. When things seem unfair, we wave to others alongside us and assure them they’re invited. “Come join us.”
Unity begins when we create more than just warm, welcoming spaces, but safe ones. Communities where we can lay our whole-hearted self down without condemnation, places where sisters can experience Jesus more fully.
Unity begins when we join hearts with God’s people and press in together with the ultimate desire of lifting the name of Jesus higher than our own agendas. When we link arms with our sisters of every color, nationality, occupation, and background, unity stirs our hearts as we resist any temptation to tear down those sisters with whom we differ. To find community through our similarities and choose peace instead of prejudice.
Unity begins when we put on Jesus’ unconditional love and learn to make room for one more because He first made room for one more.
Unity begins when we acknowledge our differences, repent of our sins, show grace amidst discord, and give the benefit of the doubt as we listen with open hearts to others’ stories.
Our new start begins today. I want to do the hard work of bringing it all to the table where His mercy is poured out in abundance.
I’m turning my apathy into action. Won’t you join me?
Leave a Comment
Summer Rae says
Miss Jennifer,
Your gentle encouragement is much appreciated. I often find myself in the same shoes as your little girl… Allowing myself to take on the burdens of other people’s opinions/emotions/actions/decisions instead of instantly reaching out and resolving it or seeking my Heavenly Father. I loved the simplicity of the way you turned a child’s dispute into smiles and happy hearts. I find myself asking, “Why can’t it be that easy??” But… it is? Isn’t it? I don’t have to carry around the weight of people’s mean words or their opinions of me because my Savior has told me, more than once, not to concern myself with pleasing “man” and that He is here to help me carry my “load.” I just need to trust in Him to turn those tears into smiles. Knowing my relationship with Him and HIS “opinion” are all that truly matter. Thank you again; this post was a blessing to me as I am sure it will be to many others. I pray that you and your family have a wonderful day.
This side of Heaven,
Summer Rae
Wanda Davis says
Thank YOU Summer Rae. !! I gleaned more from your reply. It really expounded on Jennifer’s lesson. I’m at that place where I’m finding peace in forgiveness of those who have hurt me. I also am asking forgiveness from those whom I have hurt. I am learning to trust in how Jesus sees me….instead of people’s opinion of me.
Thank you again
Wanda
Jen @beautyandbedlam.com says
Summer – that is such wonderful insight and helps unpackage that scripture even further. Thank you for sharing your heart. 🙂
Anastasia Corbin says
Thank you for this post. It encouraged me to believe the best of others. It also encouraged me to take a hard look at my priorities and make sure I am elevating others.
Jen @beautyandbedlam.com says
You are so welcome. It’s a difficult culture we live in where everyone has an agenda and as Christ followers, putting that aside is so important.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Jen,
I’ll join you!! Like you said, unity begins when “We lift the name of Jesus higher than our own agendas.” I know I get so caught up in me, mine, I….but when I choose to look around and include someone who may be standing outside the circle, that’s when the love of Christ truly begins. Much needed and timely reminder to pour out the love of Jesus on those who may be different than me. After all He poured out love on me, a sinner, who was different from Him.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Jen @beautyandbedlam.com says
Exactly, Bev – we must look different. 🙂
Beth Williams says
Jennifer,
God uses children to teach us all the time. This country is so divided right now that we need unity more than ever. We need to look at others the same way Jesus did- with color blind eyes. Don’t look at someone’s clothes, bank account, skin color, ideas-just love them. Have compassion for the brokenhearted. Show mercy to all. After all Jesus gave us mercy – we all deserve Hell & yet He died a crucifixion to save our souls. I pray for our country daily that God would have bring a revival back here. We need to get back to our Judo Christian roots. Love everyone & unity might happen!
Blessings 🙂
Jen @beautyandbedlam.com says
I am right with you, Beth. Praying for unity and revival as well.
Tarrah Lockhart says
What a timely post. Simply beautiful and encouraging. Thank you.
Jen says
What perfect timing in today’s world ! We sure can learn a lot from such young children .
I am with you , we all must keep this in mind as we want unity but often we are not loving unconditional, like God !
Love , hugs , and peace all of you my sisters !
Rebecca L Jones says
Your daughter is right, there are people who just don’t won’t to play nice. That’s when you have to look deep inside for Jesus words.
Elizabeth says
I’ll join you too – it’s so often the little things we find hard. Like showing up faithfully, even though the club which once was so much fun is dwindling in numbers and some of the snipiest ones are still attending.
janine says
I wish all of you were my next door neighbours…how good it is for God’s people to live in harmony. Does anyone notice that even the word HARM is in the word HARMony…we need Jesus to lavish us with His Grace to lean into forgiveness and reconnection…and His gentle courage to reach out.
blessings to all
Jen @beautyandbedlam.com says
Wouldn’t that be a wonderful neighborhood? Love that you pulled out the root word in harmony. Gives us a lot to think about.
Penny says
Jennifer,
What a sweet way for you to help your daughter resolve things, Thank-you for your sharing your post….I will try harder
Have a blessed day all,
Penny