United in Harmony: Living Out the Call of Romans 15:5-6
Introduction:
Today, we explore Romans 15:5-6, a passage that calls us to unity and harmony as believers. In a world often divided by differences, the call to live in harmony with one another is more relevant than ever. Let’s delve into these verses and discover what God desires for His church.
Romans 15:5-6 (NLT): "May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Point 1: The Source of Harmony
Romans 15:5 (NLT): "May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus."
Paul begins by highlighting that God is the source of patience and encouragement. These virtues are essential for living in harmony. The Greek word for "patience" (hypomone) implies enduring through difficulties, while "encouragement" (paraklesis) means comfort and exhortation. It is God who grants us the ability to endure and to encourage one another.
Colossians 3:14 (NLT): "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony."
In Colossians 3:14, Paul emphasises the supreme importance of love. He uses the metaphor of clothing to illustrate how love should envelop every aspect of our lives. Just as clothing covers our bodies and is visible to all, love should be evident in all our interactions. This love is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice and action that binds believers together in perfect harmony. This perfect harmony is the unity of the body of Christ, where differences are transcended by the love that we share in Christ.
Ephesians 4:2-3 (NLT): "Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace."
In Ephesians 4:2-3, Paul outlines the attitudes essential for maintaining unity among believers. Humility, gentleness, and patience are fruits of the Spirit that enable us to bear with one another's weaknesses and faults. The call to "make every effort" indicates that unity requires intentional action and diligence. The peace that binds us is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of a deep, spiritual harmony rooted in our shared faith in Christ.
John Stott: "Unity in diversity is the church's witness to a divided world."
Rick Warren: "Community is built on honesty, humility, courtesy, and frequency."
We need to seek God’s patience and encouragement daily. It’s through His strength that we can bear with one another’s differences and encourage each other towards unity. Let us pray for these virtues to be evident in our lives and our church.
Point 2: The Call to Live in Harmony
Romans 15:5 (NLT): "Help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus."
Living in harmony is not just an option; it is fitting for those who follow Christ. The Greek term for "harmony" (homothymadon) suggests being of one mind or having a united purpose. This unity reflects the character and mission of Jesus.
Philippians 2:2 (NLT): "Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose."
Paul's letter to the Philippians calls for a deep, heartfelt unity among believers. The phrase "agreeing wholeheartedly" implies a unity that goes beyond mere external conformity to an inward alignment of hearts and minds. This unity is expressed in mutual love and collaborative effort towards a common purpose—the advancement of the Gospel and the glory of God.
1 Peter 3:8 (NLT): "Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude."
Peter calls for believers to cultivate a spirit of unity marked by sympathy, love, tenderness, and humility. Being "of one mind" does not mean uniformity in every detail but a harmonious alignment in our core beliefs and values. Sympathising with each other means sharing in each other's joys and burdens. Love as brothers and sisters underscores the familial bond we share in Christ, which calls for a deeper, sacrificial love.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ."
Francis Chan: "We are most united and effective when we love and serve one another."
Harmony requires intentional effort. It involves setting aside personal preferences for the greater good of the body of Christ. Let us commit to building each other up, working together, and fostering a spirit of unity in our church.
Point 3: The Purpose of Harmony
Romans 15:6 (NLT): "Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The ultimate purpose of living in harmony is to glorify God with one voice. Our unity in Christ allows us to collectively reflect His glory and offer true worship. The phrase "one voice" emphasizes the power of united praise and testimony.
John 17:21 (NLT): "I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me."
In His high priestly prayer, Jesus prays for the unity of all believers. The unity He envisions mirrors the oneness between Himself and the Father—profound, intimate, and unbreakable. This unity serves a missional purpose: that the world may believe in the divinity and mission of Jesus. Our unity, therefore, is not just for our own benefit but as a witness to the world of the reality of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 133:1 (NLT): "How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!"
This psalm extols the beauty and pleasantness of unity among God's people. The Hebrew word for "harmony" (yachad) denotes a togetherness that is both joyful and productive. Such unity is not only a delight to experience but also a testament to God's presence among His people. It is a reflection of the divine harmony in the Trinity and serves as a powerful witness to the world.
A.W. Tozer: "Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other?"
C.S. Lewis: "When Christians cease to be united, they become a stumbling block to the world."
Application:
Unity and harmony are essential aspects of our Christian walk. As we have seen through these Scriptures, it is love that binds us, patience and humility that sustain us, and our collective purpose that unites us. Let us strive to live out these truths in our daily lives, reflecting the unity of the body of Christ and bringing glory to God.
Our harmonious living is a powerful testimony to the world. It glorifies God and draws others to Him. Let’s strive to live in a way that reflects Christ’s love and unity, bringing glory to God through our collective witness.
Conclusion:
Romans 15:5-6 calls us to seek God’s patience and encouragement, to live in harmony as followers of Christ, and to glorify God with one voice. These are not merely lofty ideals but practical truths that can transform our lives and our church.
Call to Action:
Seek God’s patience and encouragement in your daily walk.
Make a conscious effort to foster unity and harmony within the church.
Let your united worship and testimony glorify God and draw others to Him.
Seek opportunities to foster unity within your church community.
Practice humility, patience, and love in your interactions with others.
Reflect on Jesus' prayer for unity and strive to be an answer to that prayer in your relationships and church.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the call to live in harmony with one another. Help us to seek Your patience and encouragement, to live out unity in our daily interactions, and to glorify You with one voice. May our lives be a testimony of Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
