There is too much separation and division among us.

Introduction

There is so much unnecessary separation and division among us. Of course, this is not new as people have not been getting along with others for years. However, it does not mean it is right. This issue is more complex because some of us as Christians don’t see anything wrong with the division that exists among us. In fact, some of us are promoting the division. The Bible reminds us in Psalms 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”

This article is to encourage you to try and get along with others because we can accomplish so much more.

Why we can’t along?

There are so many reasons why we don’t get along with others, but I think James 4:1-2 sums it up well. “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle with you? You desire but you do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.”

Whatever your desires are, if you are not careful in managing your desires, it can lead to division. You may have a desire for a particular position, or something but you did not get it and so now you are not getting along with the people who got what you desired for, but you did not get it.

Another reason why we are not getting along with others is simply due to our race and nationality. Some of us just cannot pass the race and nationality factors. Unfortunately, many of us are guilty about this. We “stick” with our own.  It just does not make any sense to me. I am tired of the words “foreigners and “locals.”  Listen, here we need each other and furthermore we are all equal in the eyes of the Lord. The colour of your skin and where you are from should be irrelevant.

Politics is also a major as to why we cannot get along with one another. We have allowed ourselves to be caught in an obsession with these political parties and politicians to a point we love our political parties more than we love our brothers and sisters who do not support our political choice.

We also have allowed the spirit of jealousy and the spirit of insecurity to cause us not to get along with others. Sometimes, it is our close friends and family members. This is a very dangerous path to be on.

Finally, misunderstanding, miscommunication and assumptions cause people not to get along.

How can we get along?

I know all of us will not get along based on the reasons stated above. However, I believe it is possible for us to improve in getting along with others.

I cannot speak for other countries, but I think the Turks and Caicos is in such a unique position in that we have more than 99 nationalities residing among us. At some point, we will interact with other races and nationalities whether in the workplace, church or a charitable organization. This is a great opportunity for all of us to get to know different individuals and it is more likely you will notice they are no different from you and me.

Respect the opinions of others and try to understand their perspectives rather than fighting over differences of opinions.

Give people a chance. Don’t discriminate against others because of where they are from, how they look or what you hear about their race or nationality. Not everybody is the same.

Watch what you say about others. Be sensitive and have empathy for others. The words you speak can hurt and kill others

Conclusion

Are you gaining anything by not getting along with others? By not getting along with others, we are creating a divisive, unhappy, bitter and angry society. Is this what we really want? Let us appreciate and respect the differences and the achievements of others that exist among us rather than using the differences and achievements to divide us. Division is not good in any setting.