First Truth, Then Unity

How good and pleasant it is when brothers can live together! - Psalm 133:1

I don't like conflict. In fact, if someone does like conflict, they might be considered unstable. Yet still, in life, business, even in the church, conflict (though undesirable) is sometimes unavoidable.

Instead of desiring conflict, we should pursue unity and peace. David wrote that it is good and pleasant when brothers can live together. It is like an anointing oil that both heals and refreshes. Shouldn't such unity be sought at all cost? Perhaps, yes, but the path may surprise you.

Conflict usually arises from a difference of opinion (or misunderstanding) and can be resolved through clear communication (in other words, listening!), but at other times conflict comes because God's truth is being challenged. We should always fight for His truth, no matter the consequences; however, when everyone involved in a conflict (all sides) agree to fight for His truth (and not their own version of it), they will ultimately find themselves on the same side, unified in agreement.

In other words, if all parties seek God's truth, there can only be unity; therefore, first agree on what is true, then move toward it.

By faithfulness we are collected and wound up into unity within ourselves, whereas we had been scattered abroad in multiplicity. - Augustine