We’re not arguing.
We’re not fighting.
We’re not even debating with folks this year if discernment has shown it would be a futile effort.
By and large, the desire to function with peace as the goal has been lost. We want to be right and operate liberally with that free will God has provided. Who are they to tell me what I can / cannot do? We don’t want to be inconvenienced. Our needs, wants, and desires take priority over all else and everyone else. It’s all a matter of pride. Proverbs 16:18 makes it clear that destruction comes after pride. A quick glance around us should verify that to be true. Pride (love of self-first) is wreaking havoc in our lives, and we’ve embraced it. For example, family members have fallen out over the most minute matter as each person chose to stand their ground on what they believe to be right instead of focusing on love and peace.
Social media and daily conversations glorify division. We boast about how strong our cut-off game is, etc. I have been guilty myself. I do get it, to a point. Anything toxic and unhealthy should not have access to our environment. However, so much of the division seems to boil down to simple differences in personality, faith, politics, profession, and more. A healthy alternative to division is respectful disagreement.
“Okay, thanks. I didn’t realize that.”
“Okay, thanks for the insight.”
Our differences were meant to make us unique individuals, not enemies.
Personal interactions have been relegated down to various degrees of tolerance more so than genuine love for the next human being. With that said, here are a few verses from the NIV translation of the Bible to consider:
In 2023, can we work towards dwelling together in unity? Can we? Please.
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