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Harmonize with One Another

Harmonize with One Another

Harmonize with One Another.

“Live in harmony with one another.” (Romans 12:16, NIV).

Harmony: When separate parts intentionally combine into a beautiful whole; to reconcile apparent differences into a combined unity; to adjust in order to fit together; to be of the same mind; to unite in the same direction in will, affection and conscience; to join together in unity of spirit and purpose, with one heart and one passion; to be agreeable and get along; mutual understanding.

Imagine one note, one individual note, singing a pretty melody. It sounds just fine, the note is clear and excellent. Now imagine another note joining with the first note, a different note than the first, but the two intentionally join together and the melody sounds a little richer and fuller. Continue this song with another note, then another, then another, all different notes, but joining together to produce an even richer sound, more nuanced, more melodious. A simple melody has been transformed into a symphony of voices. The harmony is operating at a qualitatively different level than the spare individual note. That’s what it looks like when Christians unify under one purpose and work together to live in harmony. The individual person is good and important, but is incomplete without all the other individuals joining together in community, fitting together and adjusting to each other. Harmonizing with one another answers the age-old question, Can’t we all just get along? The answer is yes, through the Spirit, we can create a symphony.

Harmony in Practice

a. “If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care- then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.” (Philippians 2:1-4, Message).

b. “Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody. Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do.” (Romans 12: 14-18, Message).

c. “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. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.” (Romans 15:5-7, NLT).

d. “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. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9, NLT).

e. “Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words. Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet each other with a sacred kiss. All of God’s people here send you their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:11-14, NLT).