UNITY IN THE FAMILY

Psalm 133:1–3

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! [2] 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; [3] 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.

Introduction

Family is God’s first institution. Before the church, before government, before society, God established the family (Genesis 2:18–24).
When families are united, communities are strong, churches are healthy, and generations are preserved.
The church, community, schools and Nations are reflections of the family.
Also, unity flows from the top downwards; from parents to the children, from the leaders to the followers etc.

Psalm 133:1 declares:

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Unity is not only good—it is pleasant, powerful, and productive.

1. What Family Unity Means

Family unity does not mean the absence of differences. It means oneness of heart, purpose, and direction despite differences.

Unity in the family is:
• Mutual love and respect
• Shared values and vision
• Commitment to peace and
understanding
• Standing together in times of joy and
adversity

Jesus prayed for unity (John 17:21), showing that unity is spiritual, intentional, and protected.

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
— Ephesians 4:3

Unity is not accidental; it is worked on and worked at.

2. Importance of Family Unity

a. Unity makes the impossible easily achievable – Genesis 11:1–6

At the Tower of Babel, God Himself acknowledged the power of unity:

“Behold, the people is one… and now nothing will be restrained from them.”

Though their purpose was wrong, their unity was strong. This teaches us that unity multiplies capacity. When a family is united, obstacles become conquerable.

b. Unity Attracts God’s Blessing – Psalm 133:1–3

David tells us unity is:
• Good (right in God’s sight)
• Pleasant (emotionally healthy)
• A place where God commands
blessing

“…for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.”

Blessings are not random; they are commanded where unity exists.

c. Unity Increases Strength and Productivity – Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

“Two are better than one… For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.”

A united family stands stronger against adversity.

A united family is unconquerable.

3. Factors That Promote Disunity in the Family

a. Favouritism Among Children

Biblical Examples:
• Isaac favoured Esau; Rebekah
favoured Jacob (Genesis 25:28)
• Jacob favoured Joseph over his
brothers (Genesis 37:3–4)

This led to:
• Jealousy
• Hatred
• Deception
• Broken relationships

“Where envy and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
— James 3:16

Favouritism fractures trust and breeds resentment.

b. Not Addressing Wrongdoing

Ignoring wrongdoing is not love—it is negligence.

Eli failed to restrain his sons (1 Samuel 2:22–25), and it brought judgment upon his household.

When parents refuse to correct:
• Sin grows unchecked
• Respect erodes
• Unity collapses

“He that spareth his rod hateth his son.”
— Proverbs 13:24

Correction done in love preserves unity.

c. Lack of Transparency Between Couples

Example: Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 27)

Isaac secretly instructed Esau to prepare venison. Rebekah overheard and countered him with deception. Lack of openness resulted in:
• Manipulation
• Lies
• Family division
• Long-term separation

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
— Amos 3:3

Unity thrives where communication and transparency exist.

4. How to Build Unity in the Family

a. Build on Love and Forgiveness

“Above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
— Colossians 3:14

Forgiveness heals wounds and restores relationships (Ephesians 4:32).

b. Practice Fairness and Justice

Parents must love their children equally and correct them consistently.

“Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath.”
— Ephesians 6:4

Fairness fosters security and trust.

c. Maintain Open Communication

Healthy families talk, listen, and resolve issues honestly.

“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
— James 1:19

d. Pray Together as a Family

Families that pray together stay together. Prayer aligns hearts and invites God’s presence.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
— Joshua 24:15

e. Put God at the Centre

Unity is sustained when God is the foundation.

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”
— Psalm 127:1

Unity in the family is not optional—it is essential. It invites God’s blessing, strengthens relationships, and secures generational impact.

Today, God is calling families to:
• Heal broken relationships
• Restore trust
• Choose love over strife
• Walk together in unity

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Prayer:
Lord, heal my family and uproot every seed of disunity in my home.

Father, Restore love, transparency, and peace in my family.

Father, Let my family become the place where Your presence and blessing is pleased to dwell in Jesus’ name. Amen.