DAY 7
On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles. James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.
Galatians 2:7-9 NIV
How good and pleasant it is
Pslam 133:1-3 NIV
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.
Unity is a powerful thing.
We can find ourselves in moments where we feel more concerned in winning an argument than in trying to win the person.
Paul and Peter both had different lanes.
As we read in verse 7, Paul’s lane was to reach the Gentiles (or anyone not from Jewish background), and Peter’s was to reach the Jews, with the message of Jesus.
In verse 8, we see a moment where Paul recognises that even though he and Peter are very different in their approach, they are in unity—unified in their cause—that God is at work in them to share the message of Jesus. They are focused more on the mission than in causing disunity among themselves.
In verse 9, we see a powerful moment where Paul and Peter exchange “a right hand of fellowship”.
You may have people in your life that you disagree with, but I want to propose to you that instead of focusing on what divides you, instead, focus on what you have in common. The strength of unity is when you focus on winning the person, not the argument.
Psalm 133 is a verse where many paraphrase the statement: “Where there is unity, God commands a blessing”. Unity is an incredible testimony of selflessness and vision. Let’s choose unity over what divides us.
There is never a better day to choose unity than today.
Question
Who is someone in your life who you could extend unity to today? It might come in the form of forgiving them, loving them or simply encouraging them.