In Colossians 3:11–17 one of the most important phrases in these verses is found in verse 14—“the bond of perfection.” Other translations use words like “unity” (NIV) or “bond of unity,” or “harmony” (ESV). The word marks a transition from a series of descriptive statements connected to the words “put on” in verses 11–14 as to how a diverse group of people, the church, is to respond or act toward one another. 

The word “harmony” captures the beauty of togetherness that can be created by the gospel in bringing many different individuals together as one body in Christ. Just as in music you can’t sing in harmony on your own, you need at least one other individual to sing in harmony, and 3 others to sing in four–part harmony. Harmony adds a dimension of beauty that is absent when only one person or thing is involved. 

The Apostle Paul had a vision for a church filled with harmony. When the church gathers together in perfect harmony it is a beautiful display of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.