“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 

The two thoughts presented by Peter for unity in the church is seeking the characteristics of harmony and humility. Harmony includes having the same goal and going in the same direction. Cooperation for the same purpose is what allows us to have a common mind. What is the thing we should be single-minded about in our church? It is to be God's people in our community that together we can carry out Christ’s mission. I believe our mission can be stated to glorify God in outreach, discipleship, and worship. We do that in submitting ourselves to unity under the Lordship of Jesus and the obedience to His Spirit.   

The will of God desires that we work together. What gets in the way? Pride, differing opinions, selfishness, envy, various theologies? It is not denying our individual uniqueness or our different gifts and talents, but having the same purpose under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  He is our Savior. It does not mean that we agree with everyone on every subject. Harmony has to do with oneness of attitude. Harmony is created when the various parts of an organization are properly related to the other in pursuit of common goals.

Ephesians 4:3-6 teaches us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope. make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit.” 

Jesus prayed for His people that they might all be one; even as He and His Father are one. Paul often exhorts the church to unity and oneness. He prays for it.  The church is not honoring or obeying the Lord if there are serious divisions in it. He calls them to relationships that would be willing to suffer wrong if needs be in order that Christ's kingdom might be continued.

How do we handle difference? By praying, seeking the Word, and by submitting to the governing leadership, the pastor, board, deacons, and the church body when it comes to resolving and voting on issues. When a vote is taken, we agree to follow it under the authority of Scriptures and for God's glory.  If we vote on the spiritual leaders of our church, we should use them to resolves personal conflicts and decisions that need their prayers.           

Being compassionate is the way to treat others. We support, encourage, and have compassion with one another in humble and self-effacing manners. We never are to be proud with one another or think we are better than each other.

Paul gives instructions 3:9,10 “9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.  10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.”

The first requirement for having a fulfilled life and seeing good days is to keep your tongue from evil. James warns us of the tongue -"a restless evil full of deadly poison.” Jesus taught that lout of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” Matthew 12:34. The tongue gives expression of the inner man.  To control the tongue, one needs to have God change the inside. Deceitful speech is the means of lying. There are many ways to lie. The whole intent of deceitful speech is to confuse people into believing something that is not true.

Matthew 12:36,37 "I tell you that men will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. "