We read in Psalm 133:1, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" Yes, it's "good and pleasant" when it happens. Never take the bonds of faith and love for granted: not in a family setting, nor in the church. Sin can disrupt them thoroughly.

We experience unity together in a special way when we unite in worshipping our God. He breaks the power of sin through Jesus Christ and forges bonds between us. Those are spiritual bonds: the results of the work of his Spirit and Word.

Psalm 133 speaks of the fellowship of believers as something that is "good." God our heavenly Father binds us together as his children. The unity that is "good" corresponds to his laws for the way we should interact. Then the relationships are the way they should be within the fellowship of the church.

At times difficult issues need to be dealt with. But we have the privilege and calling to discuss them in the light of God's Word. If our desire is to honour God and submit wholeheartedly to the guidance that he gives, there is hope for restoration.

"Good" Christian unity is a gift of God, but also a task given to us. That task begins with praying for true unity in the faith. It also involves doing whatever it takes to seek unity and to preserve it. So how can you maintain and promote it in practical ways? Be observant! Be sensitive to each other's needs. Reach out to each other. Serve each other with the gifts the LORD has given you. Help each other. And when you have to correct someone, be careful how you do it. The Apostle Paul instructs us:

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.

Don't crush someone with harsh criticism. Come alongside your brother or sister in a spirit of love. Otherwise you might cause estrangement instead of drawing the person back.

Psalm 133 illustrates the riches of the fellowship of the church by two comparisons. The first comparison is with "precious oil." This precious oil was sacred, fragrant anointing oil. It was made according to the specifications of the LORD (Exodus 30:22-­29). It was a sign of consecration to priestly service and pointed to the equipping work of the Holy Spirit.

The point of the psalmist is that the unique fellowship of the church is like that oil. It sets the church apart from social organizations. The unity we have is unique and sacred. Like the oil on Aaron's head, it's an expression of consecration in God's service. It's a visible testimony that we have a bond with the LORD and with each other.

The fragrant oil poured on Aaron's head was made in the way commanded by God. What conclusion can we draw from this? Unity in the church must be pursued and maintained according to God's commands too. He determines how we should be one. Anything else is a recipe for disaster.

Psalm 133 compares the unity of the church with "the dew of Hermon." Hermon is the name of a high mountain between what is now Syria and Lebanon. Its top is usually covered with snow all year. When this snow melts, moisture goes into the air. At night the air in Israel cools off quite a bit, especially near mountains. The moisture then condenses and results in an abundance of dew. The dew is important for keeping vegetation alive during the dry summer periods.

Why compare covenant fellowship with this dew? David is picturing the refreshing effect of unity in the LORD. This unity keeps life from withering and dying. It causes life to bloom even in desert conditions. That's a blessing.

In an Old Testament way, our psalm points out where this fellowship can be found. It is clearly connected with Zion. "Zion" was the name for Jerusalem, the centre of worship for God's people in those days. That was where the ministry of reconciliation took place. Sacrifices were brought to atone for sins. The sacrifices were accompanied by meals, a sign of peace and shared joy.

The sacrifices in the temple pointed to Christ, the Lamb of God. The temple is gone now, but the sacrifice of our Saviour remains effective. We have the privilege of fellowship with God. By his grace it's also possible to live in true unity as his children.

The LORD is the source of the unity that we sing about. He establishes it and keeps it going. We gather in his name. As we meet in worship, our fellowship with the LORD becomes visible. We hear the Word of the LORD and learn what it means to belong to him together. Value that gift highly! The blessing of life in fellowship with the LORD lasts forever.