A group of young adults had spent many hours studying Scripture together and serving side-by-side. Needless to say, there was a close bond forming between them. But an issue threatened to break up their camaraderie. They couldn’t see eye-to-eye on how it should be handled. Suddenly, they weren’t as united as before. A few of them decided to get everyone together for a dinner to clear the air. They all learned some important lessons about unity—a key idea in Psalm 133.

This psalm was sung as pilgrims journeyed toward Jerusalem to celebrate the feasts. It served as an apt reminder for sojourners who faced not only potential disharmony within individual families (Ever try to keep everyone happy on a family vacation?), but the tension of getting along with others who competed for the same resources—lodging, food, and water. This happened in the New Testament too (in Acts 6:1, we read of the discontent between two rival groups over the distribution of food).

But David reminds us, “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” (Psalm 133:1). Christian unity doesn’t mean uniformity. And it certainly doesn’t mean the absence of conflicts (at least, not in my part of the world). But it demands that we work through conflicts because we’re brothers and sisters indwelt by the same Spirit, calling on the same Father God, knowing the same Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and following Him.

David goes on to state that when harmony exists, it sanctifies and has an effect on others (Psalm 133:2). It’s also life-giving, like the dew from Mount Hermon (Psalm 133:3).

So, how did the dinner go? Well, the group is still learning how to get along and deal with their differences. But one thing is sure: They’re committed to each other, for they’re family.

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Galatians 5:13-26