I’ve lived with roommates, and I’ve lived alone. Living alone has its charms. Everything stays exactly where I put it. The only messes are the ones I made (which are totally reasonable, and will be cleaned as soon as necessary.) I can watch whatever I want on TV or play music or enjoy silence at any time.

But living alone was also lonely sometimes. When I laughed at a TV show, the sound echoed hollowly off the walls. When I came home from work, there was no one to greet me or to have prepared a meal. There was never anyone to notice my discouragement or exuberance, and if I wanted someone to talk to, I had to make a call or a trip or an invitation.

Living with other people can help with the loneliness issue, but it can also go badly off the rails. Instead of feeling lonely, conflict can cause anger, resentment, and frustration. If it gets contentious enough, I can even dread coming home. Or living with someone who has the same weaknesses as I do can bring out both of our worst selves.

But sometimes, things go smoothly between cohabitants. That is the dream. Privacy is maintained while loneliness is banished. Cooperation and empathy reign. Triumphs are celebrated and multiplied. Griefs are divided and put into perspective.

“How delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony!” (Psalms‬ ‭133‬:‭1,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

As Christians, we should always strive toward harmony with each other. Not just among those we live with, but among those we worship with, pray with, study with, share God’s purpose with. We need to be the best roommates in this harsh and foreign world. Empathy, understanding, patience, and generosity should be on our interpersonal agendas instead of fighting about who’s right, who’s wrong, or whose turn it is to wash the dishes. If we can’t get along, who would want to come live with us?

Dear God,

Thank you for giving us the church so that we can worship you in harmony, sharing our joys and dividing our sorrows. I’m sorry that we are so fractured and caught up on unimportant details instead of prioritizing love for you and for other people. Help me to be a good roommate to my fellow believers and thus an effective witness to those looking in from the outside.