Division separates, tears down, weakens bonds, and keeps strife at the forefront. The foundation of "division" does have loop holes, and is easily destroyed through negative accusations and/or conduct.
Things such as:
"I eat what I want, you eat what you want - "Division"
"Let's join hands, pray, and thank God for the food "we" are about to receive - "Unity"
"I don't like your hair! It makes you look ugly and fat - "Division"
"Your hair is different. I love the color and style on you - "Unity"
"You are bad and will NEVER amount to anything. And besides you're dumb and stupid too - "Division"
"Awe you didn't pass the test? Well we will study "together' and make sure you understand the lesson so you can pass it the next time. Don't give up hope, you're a smart young man. We'll get you ready so you will have the knowledge and confidence you need to pass - "Unity"
Proverbs 15:28 AMPC
"The mind of the [uncompromisingly] righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things."Seriously examine "yourself" before you speak to, at, or about anyone. Everyone needs to hear words of encouragement often, as well as a compliment to continue forward in the right direction and path. Hurtful words suck the life out of you; and your self-worth and self esteem fail also that cause one to give up and give in.
Proverbs 15:4 AMPC
"A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit."
I've heard people say, "If I compliment them too much, they will get a big head, and I don't want that". Or they will say, "It builds character and makes a person stronger". Both of these are lies! It has been proven that those who are encouraged put forth the effort and time to do better, be better, and are secure in their abilities, have healthy relationships and friendships. Those who are constantly tore down, do not have healthy relationships, carry around anger, and tend to look for ways to self sabotage themselves, and others around them.
I Corinthians 1:9-10 AMPC
God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments.
Although the above scripture is speaking about the church, I feel our unity and division begins in the home that carries over into relationships, church, work, play, and even success in everyday living. Division is not what we want; whereas, it hinders the bond or bridges of a firm foundation of people who are committed to right living.
There are more people today who come from a generation of being mentally, physically, and verbally abused. Being in an environment like that is not inherited, but patterns. The saying, "Hurting people, hurt other people" is true. Although a person does not benefit from that type of lifestyle, they carry it over into their adulthood and continue it through their children and children's children, until someone breaks the destructive and abusive behavior. Again, Division!It takes more energy to be angry and condescending than to be kind. But where and how does someone begin to change the behavior? How can someone break away from the abuse? How can someone heal from a lifestyle of brokenness? Where can they go to get help?
All of these questions can be answered and the new you and lifestyle begins with two words - "The Bible." Our families are dwindling, as well as our commitment to Jesus. We need Unity back in the home and the church. We need Jesus in our lives. God's Word NEVER fails or disappoints - Especially when you are faithful like He is to read it and obey it!
Mark 3:22-29 AMPC
22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, He is possessed by Beelzebub, and, By [the help of] the prince of demons He is casting out demons.23 And He summoned them to Him and said to them in parables (illustrations or comparisons put beside truths to explain them), How can Satan drive out Satan?24 And if a kingdom is divided and rebelling against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.25 And if a house is divided (split into factions and rebelling) against itself, that house will not be able to last.26 And if Satan has raised an insurrection against himself and is divided, he cannot stand but is [surely] coming to an end.27 But no one can go into a strong man’s house and ransack his household goods right and left and seize them as plunder unless he first binds the strong man; then indeed he may [thoroughly] plunder his house.28 Truly and solemnly I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever abusive and blasphemous things they utter;29 But whoever speaks abusively against or maliciously misrepresents the Holy Spirit can never get forgiveness, but is guilty of and is in the grasp of an everlasting trespass.
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