Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brothers to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1).
It is easy to forget how spiritually helpless we used to be. That now it is only because Jesus reconciled us that we can even call ourselves Christians. It is by contemplating this reunification between God and man, something completely beyond our abilities and resources, that we see hope for reconciliation amongst ourselves.
When brethren are not getting along, we must never line up behind one or the other. Never must we set up a “them” and “us” mentality. For there is to be no “them;” it is always and forever an “us!”
At this point we must consider those who believe that all fault sits with the other party. They see themselves as the aggrieved and the one who deserves an apology. When such people are skilled at manipulating people and situations to their advantage, the average Christian is more likely to give up than damage the church by fighting.
Of course, we praise God when these brethren allow the Holy Spirit to convict them of their sin; that brings sweet fellowship. However, if that is not their desire, then the church is stuck with sin in the camp that will be sure to rise up again.
If there is a lack of depth in your relationships with your brethren, may it never be something you have not sought to remedy. As Paul said, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18).
Unity is a congregational responsibility. All of us, all the time, must approach every problem with the attitude: “We work it out.”
John Staiger