Introduction

Good morning, beloved! Today, we will dive into the beauty of Psalm 133, a short yet profound passage of scripture that speaks to the blessing of love, the necessity of respect, and the power of forgiveness.

As we get started, I want to share a quote from Dag Hammarskjold. He once said, "Forgiveness breaks the chain of causality because he who 'forgives' you--out of love--takes upon himself the consequences of what you have done. Forgiveness, therefore, always entails a sacrifice." This can be difficult to hear but it is exactly what we’re going to be talking about today.

Let's take a look at this Psalm, all three verses, as they are quite profound:

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

for brethren to dwell together in unity!

It is like the precious ointment upon the head,

that ran down upon the beard,

even Aaron’s beard:

that went down to the skirts of his garments;

As the dew of Hermon,

and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion:

for there the Lord commanded the blessing,

even life for evermore."

Before we delve into these words and their implications for our lives, let's bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day and for the chance to gather together in Your name. As we study Your word, we ask for Your wisdom and understanding. Help us to grasp the depth of Your love, the necessity of respect, and the power of forgiveness. Let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts, be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, our strength, and our redeemer. Amen.

The Blessing of Love

The blessing of love, as depicted in Psalm 133, is the glue that binds us together, the force that drives us to sacrifice for others, and the motivation behind our pursuit of unity. The Psalmist starts by saying, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" This statement is not just a casual observation but a profound truth that underscores the essence of love.

Love’s definition: Love, in its purest form, is a blessing that fosters unity. It is the kind of love that sees beyond our differences, overlooks our flaws, and chooses to focus on our shared humanity. This love is not self-seeking but seeks the welfare of others. It is not a feeling that fluctuates with circumstances but a decision that remains steadfast despite challenges. This is the kind of love that the Psalmist is referring to, a love that brings brethren together in unity.

The first comparison: The Psalmist further illustrates the blessing of love by comparing it to the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard. This imagery is quite significant. In the Old Testament, anointing with oil was a symbolic act of setting someone apart for a special purpose. It was used during the consecration of priests, including Aaron, Moses' brother. The oil, often mixed with fragrant spices, would be poured on the head, flowing down the beard and onto the garments. This act was not only a blessing but also a sign of honor, respect, and love.

Should flow freely from us onto others: It should not be hoarded or restricted but generously given. Just as the oil was not meant to remain on the head but to flow down, so should our love reach out to those around us. It should permeate every aspect of our lives, influencing our actions, our words, and our attitudes.

The second comparison: The Psalmist also likens the blessing of love to the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion. Dew is a source of nourishment for plants, especially in arid regions. It appears quietly and gently, often unnoticed, yet its impact is significant. Similarly, love often works in subtle ways. It may not always be loud or flashy, but its effects are profound. It nourishes, it refreshes, and it brings life.

Love is complex: The blessing of love is not just about the warm, fuzzy feelings we often associate with the word. It is about unity, respect, generosity, and life-giving nourishment. It is about seeing each other not as competitors or enemies but as brethren. It is about choosing to dwell together in harmony, despite our differences. It is about allowing the love that God has poured into our hearts to flow out to others.

A gift from God: it’s a reflection of His own nature, and a tool He has given us to build unity among brethren.

The Necessity of Respect

Respect is not merely a social construct, but a divine mandate ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO