Embracing Divine Unity in a Divided World

Sep 14, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: The Beauty and Power of Unity Among God’s People

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity. Unity is not just a nice idea; it is a deep longing in the heart of God, a fragrance that fills the room and a blessing that brings joy and peace to all who experience it. When believers come together, setting aside differences and loving one another, it is like precious oil poured out, a sign of God’s presence and favor. This unity is not achieved by human effort alone but is a gift from God, a result of His anointing and the work of the Holy Spirit among us. As we seek unity, we reflect the very heart of God and create a space where His blessing can rest. [15:09]

Psalm 133:1-3 (ESV)
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!
It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

Reflection: Who is one person in your church or community with whom you need to pursue unity or reconciliation this week? What is one step you can take today to move toward that unity?

Day 2: The Anointing of God Brings Consecration and Blessing

The anointing, symbolized by oil in the Old Testament, represents God’s consecration and His choice to set people apart for His purposes. Just as Aaron was anointed as priest and David as king, God’s anointing today is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon His people, marking them for service and unity. This anointing is not about human wisdom or strength but about God’s presence resting on us, filling our lives and our church with a sweet aroma that draws others to Him. We are called to crave this anointing, to pray for it, and to recognize that it is the foundation for true unity and blessing in our midst. [17:39]

Isaiah 61:1 (ESV)
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need God’s anointing and consecration right now? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill and use you today?

Day 3: Self-Examination: Recognizing Our Role in Threatening Unity

Unity is threatened not just by external forces but by our own hearts—our pride, sin, and lack of self-awareness. Each of us must be willing to ask, “Is it me?” and take responsibility for the ways we may contribute to division or conflict. Like King David, who was quick to repent and seek God’s forgiveness, we are called to humility and self-examination, recognizing that the greatest threat to unity often comes from within. Only by confessing our faults and seeking reconciliation can we experience the fullness of God’s blessing and the unity He desires for His people. [24:20]

Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Reflection: Is there a relationship or situation where you need to own your part in a conflict? What would it look like to humbly confess and seek forgiveness this week?

Day 4: Jesus Prayed for Our Unity to Reveal God to the World

Jesus’ prayer for His followers was that they would be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not just for our benefit but is a powerful witness to the world of who Jesus is and what He has done. When the church lives in unity, loving and forgiving one another, the world sees a reflection of the love and oneness of God Himself. Our unity is missional—it points people to Jesus and makes the gospel believable. We are called to pursue this unity, not just for ourselves, but so that others may come to know and believe in Christ. [31:57]

John 17:20-23 (ESV)
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to unity in your church or Christian community this week, so that others might see Jesus more clearly through your actions?

Day 5: God’s Promise: Unity Leads to Eternal Blessing

God’s vision for unity is not just for this life but for eternity. The blessing that flows from unity among God’s people is “life forevermore”—a promise that points to the reconciliation Jesus accomplished on the cross and the eternal life He offers. Even in a world filled with conflict and pain, God sees beyond the present struggles to the forever He has prepared for those who trust in Him. We are invited to live now in the light of that eternal hope, letting the reality of heaven shape our relationships and our pursuit of unity today. [30:08]

Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV)
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Reflection: In what way does the promise of eternal life with God encourage you to pursue unity and reconciliation today, even when it is difficult?

Sermon Summary

In a world marked by conflict, grief, and division—both in our communities and on a national scale—God’s heart is for unity among His people. The longing for unity is not just a sentimental wish, but a deep, spiritual desire rooted in the very nature of God and His purposes for humanity. When we gather, our greatest hope is not to be entertained or impressed by human words, but to encounter the living God, to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit, and to be shaped by Jesus Himself. The events of the past week—tragedies, violence, and fear—remind us of the brokenness around us and the urgent need to ask, “What does God think about all this?”

Scripture, particularly Psalm 133, reveals that unity is both “good and pleasant.” King David, who knew firsthand the pain of conflict—whether from Saul’s jealousy, his own family’s betrayal, or his personal failures—writes with authority about the beauty of God’s people living together in harmony. He uses two vivid metaphors: the anointing oil poured on Aaron, symbolizing God’s consecration and blessing, and the dew of Mount Hermon, bringing life and refreshment to the dry land of Zion. These images remind us that unity is not manufactured by human effort alone; it is a supernatural gift, a result of God’s anointing and presence among us.

Yet, unity is fragile. It is threatened not just by external forces, but by our own hearts—our pride, our sin, our unwillingness to seek forgiveness or make things right. True unity requires humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to own our part in any conflict. David’s own life testifies to the necessity of repentance and the desperate need for God’s Spirit above all else. Jesus, the only one who never threatens unity, came as the “dew of heaven” to reconcile us to God and to one another, purchasing our “happily ever after” on the cross.

But this eternal unity is not just a future hope; it is meant to be lived out now. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one, so that the world would believe in Him. Our unity, grounded in truth and love, becomes a powerful witness to a divided world. As we seek reconciliation, confess our sins, and pursue peace, we embody the very heart of God and invite heaven to touch earth.

Key Takeaways

1. Unity is a supernatural gift, not a human achievement. The anointing oil in Psalm 133 symbolizes God’s consecration and blessing, reminding us that true unity flows from God’s Spirit poured out on His people. We must crave this anointing, seeking God’s presence above all else, for only He can create the kind of unity that is both good and pleasant. [17:39]
2. The greatest threat to unity is not “out there,” but within each of us. David’s humility in recognizing his own capacity to disrupt unity is a model for us all. Self-awareness and repentance are essential; we must be willing to ask, “Is it me?” and to seek forgiveness where needed, knowing that our own pride and sin can fracture what God desires to build. [24:56]
3. Unity does not mean watering down truth or ignoring theological convictions. Israel’s history in the book of Judges shows the chaos that results when God’s Word is neglected. True unity is anchored in a shared commitment to God’s truth, rallying around His Word rather than our own preferences or opinions. [22:29]
4. Jesus is the ultimate source and model of unity. Unlike us, He never threatens unity but always brings reconciliation. Through His death and resurrection, He has made a way for us to be united with God and with one another, offering us not just peace for today but eternal life—our “happily ever after.” [30:08]
5. Our unity is a witness to the world. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one so that the world would believe in Him. When we pursue reconciliation, confess our sins, and love one another across differences, we make visible the reality of Christ’s love and invite others to experience the blessing of life with God. [31:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:54] - Inviting the Holy Spirit
[02:17] - Praying for God’s Presence
[04:27] - Wrestling with National and Local Tragedy
[05:38] - Trauma and the Reality of Fear
[08:43] - God’s Perspective on Conflict
[11:14] - Paradise Lost and the Origin of Conflict
[12:13] - God’s Desire: Never Again
[14:09] - King David’s Experience with Conflict
[15:09] - Psalm 133: The Beauty of Unity
[17:39] - The Meaning of Anointing
[19:32] - Aaron, Anointing, and the Flow of Blessing
[21:16] - What Threatens Unity?
[22:29] - The Danger of Neglecting God’s Word
[24:56] - Personal Responsibility for Unity
[26:53] - God’s Eternal Perspective on Conflict
[28:00] - The Dew of Hermon and Jesus as the Dew
[30:08] - The Blessing of Eternal Life
[31:57] - Jesus’ Prayer for Unity
[33:08] - Living Heaven on Earth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Beauty and Challenge of Unity (Psalm 133)

Bible Reading

Psalm 133 (ESV)
> 1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
> 2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!
> 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 133, what two images does David use to describe unity among God’s people? What do these images have in common? [15:09]
In the sermon, what examples from David’s life were given to show his experience with conflict and division? [14:09]
What does the anointing oil represent in the context of Psalm 133 and the sermon? [17:39]
How does the sermon describe the result of unity among God’s people? [16:50]

Interpretation Questions

Why might David, given his personal history, be especially qualified to write about the beauty and importance of unity? [14:09]
The sermon says unity is a “supernatural gift, not a human achievement.” What does this mean, and how does it challenge our usual approach to resolving conflict? [17:39]
The greatest threat to unity is said to come from within us, not just from outside forces. Why is self-awareness and repentance so crucial for unity in the church? [24:56]
How does Jesus serve as both the source and model of unity, according to the sermon? [30:08]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to ask, “Is it me?” when it comes to conflict. Think of a recent disagreement or tension—have you taken time to consider your own role in it? What would it look like to take responsibility and seek forgiveness? [24:56]
The anointing oil in Psalm 133 symbolizes God’s presence and blessing. What are some practical ways you can seek God’s presence and invite His Spirit into your relationships this week? [17:39]
The sermon warns against watering down truth for the sake of unity. How can you pursue unity with others in the church without compromising on biblical truth? Can you think of a situation where this balance was difficult? [22:29]
Jesus prayed that His followers would be one so that the world would believe in Him. In what ways does your life and your relationships with other Christians serve as a witness to those outside the church? Where do you see room for growth? [31:57]
The sermon suggests that unity is “good and pleasant” but also fragile. What are some habits or attitudes you can cultivate to help protect and strengthen unity in your family, small group, or church? [16:50]
The pastor gave an assignment: before taking communion again, consider if there’s anyone you need to reconcile with. Is there someone you need to reach out to this week to make things right? What’s holding you back? [25:52]
The sermon ends with the idea that eternal unity is not just a future hope, but something to live out now. What is one step you can take this week to “live heaven on earth” in your relationships? [33:08]

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the Holy Spirit to rest on your group, asking for God’s anointing and blessing over your relationships, and for the courage to pursue unity, truth, and reconciliation.

Sermon Clips

“All moms and dads really want is for their children to get along, to love each other, and to not be in conflict. And yet, too often, it's not the case, right? There's division and pain in the offering. And so, love the film because, you know, I thought of it this week because, as you guys know, our city and our nation are in grief. And it leads me to ask this question all week long as the blows just kind of kept coming. What does God think about all this? Like, I know what I think, and my emotions, to be honest, they've been all over the place this week.”

“Every individual that gets assassinated or shot at at school is a human being made in the image of God, and it should allow, I mean, it should lead us to say, God, what are we supposed to do? What do you prefer? What are your thoughts? I know my thoughts, kind of. I don't even know where the beginning of anger, sadness, grief, I don't even know from moment to moment if my thoughts are right, but really all I know to do in moments like this is say to God, I just want to agree with you. I just want to think like you think, and I just want to bring how I feel to you.”

“What does God think about conflict? The kinds of conflict that we're experiencing, but also different kinds of conflict. Conflicts within families, conflicts within churches, conflicts within Christian communities, conflicts in your nation, conflicts in your city. Why is it important that we resolve them?”

“I never want any of you to feel intimidated because of what you don't know about the Bible. One of my profound privileges is to help you understand it.”

“Here's what I think God thinks about conflict, that kind of conflict, and it's part of why we exist. Never again. I'm not, there won't be another mutiny in heaven. Those of us that choose to go are not going to favor democracy forever. Monarchy, meaning a king on a throne that we love and we delight in everything about him.”

“How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity. How good and pleasant. Important adjectives that it is when grace commons, people that claim to know Jesus and walk with him will live together in unity. That's a good thing. That's a pleasant thing, says David.”

“The anointing, David says, the anointing of heaven's blessing upon a church is the most important thing. I don't mind asking you for a selfish prayer. You know how you can pray for me? Pray that I would be anointed. Pray that God's blessing would flow from heaven upon me and not just me, on our staff, on our elders, on our deacons, on our trustees, on all of our leadership. What we need most is not human wisdom. What we need most is for heaven to be opened up, for the Holy Spirit to be poured out upon us, separating us, consecrating us, because the end result will be what? Unity. Unity.”

“God pours himself out upon a church. And the next thing you know, the result is a good, sweet -smelling unity.”

“There's a lot of things that threaten unity. But here's what this doesn't mean. Because if you're not careful, what we can do in today's world is water everything down to the lowest common denominator. And the next thing you know, the theological things of God don't matter at all. Well, Israel tried that. In the book of Judges, you've got Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges. When you get there, they put the Bible down. Don't need it. In those days, Israel had no king. This is before the days of Saul and David. And all the people did what seemed right in their own eyes. And what you have is the most rated R book in your Bible and it's chaos. Murder and horrible things happen in the book of Judges. Why? Because there's no theological unity. They don't care what God says. They don't care what he thinks. And so part of unity, at least part of it, is that we would look to God's word and we would unify there. Not because our pastor says so, because God's word says so. And we do our best to rally around what he says, not what we say. That's part of the anointing.”

“I threaten unity. My stupidity. I'm not just saying this. It's my sin that could threaten the unity at Grace Commons. It's my drifting from God's heart. It's me. And all of us need to be able to say this. King David was never so proud that he ever thought the problems in Israel were disconnected from him. He always was willing to say, God, is it me? And if it is, I'm so sorry.”

“The hardest thing in the world to me is for all of us to be self -aware enough to know that I threaten the unity of this church. I'm not just saying that. I know it's true. I've lived long enough to know in my 48 years that I, every day, could be the problem. And that is, to me, a huge part of what's missing in the world. And it's the whole counsel of God's word is that Jesus, born of a virgin, Jesus is the only one who doesn't need to say that. He's never the problem. He's always the solution. And so, friends, what threatens unity is us, starting with me.”

“Who do you need to meet with to say, before you come to the Lord's table again, who do you need to try to arrange a coffee with just to apologize for something you did? Because that's a huge part of our unity, that we would be the people that would ask for forgiveness when it's needed, that we wouldn't just assume they'll get over it. No, God's people consecrate themselves and say, Father in heaven, I don't want to come to this communion table, so I'm giving, you know, with any conflict with anyone in my heart, who do I need to meet with to try to make it right?”

“How good, how pleasant it is when Christian community happens in unity. It starts with you. It starts with me. It starts with a motive to exalt Jesus and let him be all.”

“You might think of Jesus as that dew because he did come to Mount Zion. He did come to Jerusalem, the very dew of heaven to create a reconciliation with you and with me. And the text says forever is the result. Right there in the text. What does it say? For there, Mount Zion, the Lord bestows his blessing, even life eternal.”

“Your forever and my forever happened when the dew of heaven came to earth and was hoisted up on a cross to reconcile conflict between you and a holy God. May his name be praised forever.”

“That's how important Christian unity is in this world, friends. Jesus prayed for a Trinitarian unity among the body of Christ. Why? So that the world would believe in him. See, when the city of Boulder and the Boulder Valley sees that Grace Commons unites with a trustworthy Bible around the person of Christ to love him, ironing out our conflict, confessing our sin, trying to make reconciliation whenever we can, and they see that stunning unity, it's possible that they will actually believe the Son of God came to earth and bled and died and rose again on our behalf.”

“He wants it to be ironed out. He wants us to own our own. He wants us to get along. He wants us to love each other. But ultimately he wants you to live happily ever after in heaven thanks to what Jesus did. But he doesn't just want you to say, well, this world nothing to do here until we get there. No, he wants heaven to come to earth right now. And for us to start living how we're going to live forever more so that he can win this world for himself.”

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