Good and Pleasant Unity (Humility)

 "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity" (Psalm 133:1).

It's good when siblings can get along well together, taking good care of each other.  Sometimes though, there are conflicts.  However, when the 'oil of humility' is regularly applied there are benefits that can make these relationships better and run more smoothly, like a well oiled bicycle.

With humility, we become wiser, more godly, gentle and patient.  The good and pleasant feelings become stronger and there will be greater unity.  This can be the same whether at home, school, the office or  particularly, at church. 

Moses, Aaron and Miriam are a famous Bible trio who demonstrate this goodness and pleasantness, for the most part.  Yet, they did have their serious conflicts as well. 

The first display of brotherly love and affection that's recorded in the Bible in regards to these siblings seems to be when Miriam watched over her baby brother Moses when he was in a basket set afloat on the Nile River.  She watched until he was safely in the arms of his own mother once again (as a nursemaid) and of Pharaoh's daughter, who adopted him.

Much later in Moses' life, we see the trio interacting again.  God had asked Moses to lead the Israelites' Egyptian escape from centuries of slavery.  Aaron and Miriam took up their parts too.  Aaron became Moses' spokesperson while Miriam worked with the women.  She even led the ladies in a celebratory dance after they safely escaped Egypt and Pharaoh's tyranny.

Discord came when Aaron and Miriam got proud and racist.  They said that since Moses was married to a foreigner that he shouldn't be the leader.  This was a grave accusation as it was GOD who had made Moses the designated leader.

Aaron was punished by not being allowed to enter the Promised Land, which may not seem like much to us but it was everything to the Israelites back then.  Miriam became snow-white with leprosy.  This in and of itself was a mercy God gave her but she still  had to be quarantined for a week, ostracized from the company of Israelites.   Aaron admitted it had been a sin and a very foolish slight and wrong (see Numbers 12:10-12).

Due to their jealousy and pride, they brought disgrace and loss of respect upon themselves.  On the other hand, repentance and humility brought greater wisdom and unity.  In turn, there was good and pleasant fellowship stemming from their newly learned humility.

Let's learn to live together in humility, thereby cultivating good and pleasant unity among our siblings at home and brothers and sisters-in-Christ at church.

Abba Father, there are times when it is so challenging to live with siblings and/or our church sibs.  Help us all to inculcate deeper humility so we can develop and keep good and pleasant unity.  May we be more helpful and kind to each other, thinking them more significant then ourselves.  Let the attitude of Jesus be ever more ours as we imitate Him.  I ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                 ~ ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on Proverbs 11:2, Ephesians 4:1-3, Psalm 133:1 and the book of Exodus.

Sing, How Good and Pleasant It Is, along with Divine Hymns and Lord I Need Your Help, along with Upper Room.