Unity and harmony in the body

https://odb.org/2026/04/23/staying-in-step

Romans 15:5–7 (NIV): 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Lillian Colón, who grew up in an orphanage, beat out four hundred dancers to win a coveted spot on a world-renowned dance team. She performed with that group, with its tightly ordered synchronized choreography, until her mid-forties. Now teaching dance at age seventy, she imparts to students her greatest lesson from precision artistry: Work together. “On and off the stage, our lives are deeply intertwined,” she said, “and we all fare better when we support and care for one another.” (Patricia Raybon, Our Daily Bread 23rd April 2026)

I think no one doubts the importance of unity and harmony in the local church. If we are united, we are able to achieve much in good. If we have harmony in church, even the Holy Spirit is encouraged and glad and we may experience a greater outpouring of His power and might in healing and signs and wonders. Congregational worship becomes powerful when we move collectively in the body, our praise and worship reaching greater heights in the heavenlies, with more on the ground having face to face encounters with Jesus in the spiritual realm. The body, united and harmonious, is touched and encouraged.

One key aspect to unity and harmony in the body is as enumerated in Romans 15:7 that we accept one another, just as Christ accepted us in order to bring praise to God. We want to glorify God. We want the name of Christ to be glorified in our lives as He deserves all glory and honour.

Therefore, accept one another. That’s the key to unity and harmony. In church, there are all sorts of people. Like the king’s invitation to the wedding feast – in the end, those at the wayside and on the streets are invited. God brings in everyone. Most of those in church are good but there are likely a few still learning and growing in their journey of faith. Many at large have been conditioned by their environment, the upbringing they had as they were growing up. Humans are naturally selfish, self-serving and even narcissist. We prioritise our own well-being, before we start thinking of the congregation. That’s natural. It’s a process that Christ works in us so that we began to prioritise the needs of others, that of the congregation or community.

For example, in a church potluck gathering we eat less of the good stuff first, so others may also have the opportunity to get a little bite. Not eat as much as we can and leave the rest to fate! An attitude of sharing and giving is easily seen on how we approach buffet meals. Only after everyone has had their fill should we start taking more for ourselves – of the leftovers. In other words, wait for the second round before we indulge. Part of accepting one another is to give everyone a fair chance to fill their plates! Our ultimate goal remains – unity and harmony in the body! Amen!