Conflict In The Community

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:

haughty eyes,

a lying tongue,

hands that shed innocent blood,

a heart that devises wicked schemes,

feet that are quick to rush into evil,

a false witness who pours out lies

and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

Proverbs 6:16-19

The language in Proverbs is strong. The problem with the last point with the person stirring up conflict in the community spoils the unity that Christ desires for His followers.

Those who sow discord may not initially set out to create divisions. They may be preoccupied with their personal needs or the interests of a group they belong to.

What is the best way to promote unity? It begins with the transformation of the heart. When we adopt the mind of Christ, we adopt an attitude of humility and we focus on service toward others. We will find that the needs of others soon becomes more important to us than our own. Discord can be replaced with joy and unity.

We can accomplish more together than we can alone.

Our Daily Bread – March 23, 2014