

These verses present two images of unity. The first is oil, and the second dew. When people live in unity it’s like oil smoothing the way, lubricating possible friction, and greasing the wheels of relationships. Slip ups, things said in haste, or not intended, are all overlooked when the oil of unity is flowing. It flows when we have love for one another. Peter tells us “love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). When we have a good relationship with someone, we can overlook their insensitivity, their thoughtlessness, or their abruptness. But if we lack love, these things will irritate us. By actively cultivating good relationships with people we can be channels for God’s love, which covers their sins and ours.

Plus, when people dwell together in unity it is like dew. Mount Hermon is the highest mountain in Israel and one of the few places where dew falls. Dew is gentle, it softens the ground and encourages growth. Likewise when people dwell in unity they are gentle with one another. Their words are kind and they encourage people to grow.

If we pursue unity, the promise of God is, he will bless. This doesn’t mean we will agree on all matters of Christian belief and practice. Since if we always agreed we wouldn’t need oil or dew. However, as we seek God’s enabling, we can live in harmony and receive his blessing.