Pain is important to normal life on this world. It just isn’t an innovation God devised on the last moment of Creation to maintain us humble. The fractured community takes its toll on multiple levels, affecting relationships and our beliefs, creating broken hearts, and is weighted against the inspiration of unity. Resulting in a community affected by doubt, disappointment, and broken trust in each other. Emotional hurt and betrayal result in resentment, isolation, and a sluggish willingness to reconnect. Socially, fractures in the neighborhood erode communication, break down support systems, and create lasting gaps between individuals. This is where true restoration begins. Requiring intentionality and energy for community healing that fosters forgiveness and understanding.
Identifying the Fractures
1. Spiritual Disunity
Unity celebrates our differences and uniqueness while sharing our common vision and goal. Paul’s command to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace just isn’t a suggestion based on whether we feel the necessity to do it or not. It’s a God-ordained motion also connected with the work of the Holy Spirit. You may ask, “Well, what about peace?”. I’m glad you asked! How are we held together? Through the bond of peace. Peace is where like-mindedness, harmony, and being on one accord sit of their rightful place.
2. Social and Cultural Divides
Social and cultural divides begin with generational gaps, economic differences, and racial tensions, which create barriers that fracture communities. When generations struggle to know one another’s values or wealth disparities limit opportunities, resentment grows. Prejudice and historical injustices go unresolved, further weakening unity and ultimately widening the fracture in our community.
3. Personal Offenses and Unforgiveness
What happens when unresolved conflict lingers? There’s danger. In Matthew 18:15-17 (NKJV), Jesus speaks about this serious concern. He instructs, “If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private.” Did you catch that? It’s in private—not for gossip or public shame. If he listens, you’ve won your brother back. But if he doesn’t, take one or two others along to assist address the problem. If he still refuses, bring it to the church. If he ignores the church, he’s to be treated as a Gentile and a tax collector, essentially like an unbeliever. And then, the verse most individuals love to cite is available in: “For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I with them.” This assures us that Jesus is with us after we seek reconciliation and handle conflict in His name. So, what can we do next? Offenses and unforgiveness are a continuing challenge in our communities, but prayer is stronger. We must proceed to wish and select forgiveness, trusting that it should restore unity.
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