Topical Encyclopedia Harmony, in a biblical context, refers to the state of being in agreement or concord, particularly within the body of Christ. It is a concept deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible, emphasizing unity, peace, and mutual edification among believers.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding harmony through the concept of shalom, a Hebrew word often translated as "peace" but encompassing a broader sense of completeness and well-being. Psalm 133:1 states, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!" This verse highlights the beauty and desirability of harmonious relationships among God's people. New Testament Teachings The New Testament further develops the theme of harmony, particularly within the church. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, emphasized the importance of unity among His followers. In John 17:21 , Jesus prays, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." This prayer underscores the significance of harmony as a testimony to the world of God's love and truth. The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the need for harmony in his epistles. In Romans 12:16 , he exhorts believers, "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited." Here, Paul links harmony with humility and the willingness to associate with all members of the community, regardless of social status. In Ephesians 4:3 , Paul urges the church to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This verse highlights the active role believers must take in maintaining harmony, recognizing it as a work of the Holy Spirit that requires diligence and intentionality. The Role of Love and Forgiveness Central to achieving harmony is the practice of love and forgiveness. Colossians 3:13-14 instructs, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity." Love acts as the binding force that holds the community together, enabling believers to overlook offenses and maintain peace. Harmony in Worship and Service Harmony is also reflected in corporate worship and service. The early church in Acts 2:46-47 exemplifies this: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." This passage illustrates how harmony in worship and communal life leads to spiritual growth and a positive witness to the surrounding community. Challenges to Harmony Despite its importance, harmony can be challenged by divisions, disagreements, and personal conflicts. The Bible acknowledges these challenges and provides guidance for resolution. In Matthew 18:15-17 , Jesus outlines a process for addressing offenses within the church, emphasizing reconciliation and restoration. Conclusion Harmony is a vital aspect of Christian life, reflecting the unity and love that characterize the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Through the practice of love, humility, and forgiveness, believers are called to live in harmony, thereby glorifying God and bearing witness to His transformative power in the world. Topical Bible Verses 1 John 4:18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. Topicalbible.org Colossians 3:12-14 Ephesians 4:31-32 2 Corinthians 6:15 Titus 2:12 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The just adaptation of parts to each other, in any system or combination of things, or in things, or things intended to form a connected whole; such an agreement between the different parts of a design or composition as to produce unity of effect; as, the harmony of the universe.2. (n.) Concord or agreement in facts, opinions, manners, interests, etc.; good correspondence; peace and friendship; as, good citizens live in harmony. 3. (n.) A literary work which brings together or arranges systematically parallel passages of historians respecting the same events, and shows their agreement or consistency; as, a harmony of the Gospels. 4. (n.) A succession of chords according to the rules of progression and modulation. 5. (n.) The science which treats of their construction and progression. 6. (n.) See Harmonic suture, under Harmonic. Greek 4856. sumphoneo -- to call out with, to be in harmony, generally ... ... to call out with, to be in harmony, generally to agree. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: sumphoneo Phonetic Spelling: (soom-fo-neh'-o) Short Definition: ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4856.htm - 8k 4857. sumphonesis -- agreement 4858. sumphonia -- symphony, ie music 5426. phroneo -- to have understanding, to think 4267. proginosko -- to know beforehand 4886. sundesmos -- that which binds together, ie a bond 3444. morphe -- form, shape 346. anakephalaioo -- to sum up, gather up Library the harmony of the gospels The Harmony of the Gospels. The Harmony of the Gospels. Book I. The Power of Harmony in Relation to Prayer. The Harmony of the Gospels April the Ninteenth Union in Harmony The Harmony of Husband and Wife. The Everlasting Harmony. January 6. The Harmony of Love. Of the Harmony of the Four Evangelists in their Notices of the ... Thesaurus Accord (43 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) Agreement or concurrence of opinion, will, or action; harmony of mind; consent; assent. 2. (vt ... /a/accord.htm - 21k Tune (15 Occurrences) Concert (1 Occurrence) Logos Syriac (2 Occurrences) Reconciliation (11 Occurrences) Agreement (341 Occurrences) Keeping (282 Occurrences) Union (24 Occurrences) Discord (7 Occurrences) Resources What is the harmony of the Gospels? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Diatessaron? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian participate in acupuncture / acupressure? | GotQuestions.org Harmony: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Harmony (21 Occurrences)Acts 15:15 Romans 8:27 Romans 12:16 Romans 15:5 Romans 16:25 1 Corinthians 1:10 2 Corinthians 6:15 2 Corinthians 13:14 Ephesians 1:9 Ephesians 4:3 Ephesians 4:13 Philippians 2:2 Philippians 4:2 Colossians 3:14 2 Thessalonians 3:6 1 Timothy 1:18 Titus 1:1 1 Peter 3:8 Psalms 133:1 Ezekiel 44:24 Zechariah 6:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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