Unity

 “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in harmony!” Psalm 133:1

My memories of a place called Belfast were troubled. I was anxious to visit Belfast, Ireland mainly because it was part of my memories. I don’t remember much but I do know it often occupied a chunk of the CBS Evening News. Even back then there was plenty of news and unfortunately too much of it was difficult–most would call it bad. In the late sixties here in the States trouble was on every corner. There were riots, mainly about race and the Vietnam War and there were even assassinations. So, I guess what was happening in Ireland was only more of the same.

For years, the Catholic/nationalist minority in Northern Ireland faced unfair treatment, and these injustices finally erupted into civil rights protests in the late 1960s. This sparked a harsh response from Protestant/unionist groups, resulting in the British Army being sent in. The Irish Republican Army was resolute in their goal to drive the British out of Northern Ireland, and the violence they unleashed included bombings, shootings, and, unfortunately, assassinations in Northern Ireland, mainland Britain, and the Republic of Ireland. Sadly, over 3,500 lives were lost during this period.

The Good Friday Agreement in 1998 played a big role in resolving the conflict. This important political agreement created a government that shared power in Northern Ireland and included plans for the IRA to disarm. Because of these measures, the Provisional IRA officially stopped its armed activities in 2005.

So, like I said, my memories of the late sixties here in the States and what was happening over there were indeed troubling. Perhaps what was most troubling was the fact that like our civil war which raged from 1861 to 1865, brothers were fighting brothers and families were fighting families. I know you didn’t tune into Grits today for a history lesson but there is something to be learned from what you have read today

Conflict and division are so damaging…no matter where it occurs. Two of the most tragic battlefields are within the home and within the house of God. Once again, too often you see families members fighting each other and brothers and sisters in Christ spiritually and emotionally slugging it out. And while all of that is going on, the world watches and wonders if Jesus is so good why aren’t His people.

Two verses come to my mind as I write this. The first one is found in John 13:35 where Jesus tells us, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Remember, the proof of our faith is not the checks we write or how often we go to church. People will know that we are Jesus followers by our love. Underline it. Memorize it. Tattoo it on your arm if you have too.

The second verse is found in Psalm 133:1.  There we read, “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in harmony!” Our unity, our harmony is like a sweet smelling aroma to our Father. Remember this does not mean we agree on everything but it does mean that we simply will not allow our dogma and opinions to divide us. Our unity in Jesus should always win the day. If you find this too difficult, don’t worry. Our Dearest Daddy loves to help His children…especially when it comes to loving each other.  He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne