Devotion

Unity in Diversity: A Devotion on Reconciliation

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" - Psalm 133:1

As we gather during National Reconciliation Week, we're reminded of the profound truth captured in this simple yet powerful verse from Psalm 133. The psalmist doesn't just say unity is good – he declares it both good AND pleasant. There's something beautiful, something deeply satisfying to the human spirit when people come together across differences and find common ground.

This week, some of our students had the privilege of attending the National Reconciliation Week breakfast with Mrs. Zadow. What a wonderful opportunity to witness unity in action, to see people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences coming together around shared hopes for healing and understanding.

The Hebrew word for "good" in this verse is tov – it speaks of something that is morally excellent, beneficial, and life-giving. When Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians sit together, share stories, and build relationships, we participate in something that God calls tov. We're not just being polite or politically correct; we're engaging in work that reflects God's heart for His creation.

The word "pleasant" suggests something that brings joy, delight, and satisfaction. True reconciliation isn't just duty – it's a source of deep joy. When walls come down and understanding grows, when respect replaces prejudice and relationship replaces separation, there's a sweetness that touches both heaven and earth.

National Reconciliation Week challenges us to move beyond good intentions to meaningful action. Just as our students stepped out to participate in the breakfast, we're each called to take concrete steps toward understanding and unity:

• Listen actively to stories and experiences different from our own
• Learn genuinely about the history and culture of Australia's First Peoples
• Live intentionally in ways that promote respect, understanding, and justice

The unity described in Psalm 133 isn't uniformity – it's not about everyone being the same. It's about diversity finding harmony, different voices joining in one song, various streams flowing toward the same destination.

Loving God, You have created us as one human family, yet we often live as strangers to one another. Help us to see Your image in every person we meet. Give us courage to build bridges where there have been walls, to seek understanding where there has been division, and to work for justice where there has been inequality.

Thank You for the example of our students who participated in National Reconciliation Week activities. May their willingness to engage inspire all of us to be agents of healing and unity in our community.

As we seek to live together in the harmony You desire, may our efforts be both good and pleasant in Your sight. Help us to create spaces where all people can flourish and where Your love is made visible through our relationships.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

May this National Reconciliation Week be more than just a time of reflection – may it be a season of transformation, both in our hearts and in our community.

Blessings!

Will Wallace

Principal