Peace, love and harmony

[Tom Wetmore]

Why do efforts intended to bring about unity so often have the exact opposite effect of resulting in greater discord, division and conflict?

[Stan]

I have seen that happen so very often, including my own life.

[Gail]

Oh, come on- don't be so hard on yourself! I think you're a nice guy.

But yeah, when one goes through a couple of experiences like that it tends to tamper one's ability to try.

Maybe that is another reason why wisdom is so needed! Solomon might have been on to something!

[Gail]

One reason we get caught up into misunderstanding (and stay there!) is that we judge before we have all the information. I can't mind-read, nor can I know someone's heart unless I have a deep-seated relationship with him/her.

[teresaq]

Could you go a little more into depth Tom?

[teresaq]

bump I deal better with specifics than generalities. :)

[M. T. Cross]

Because unity is generally based on a mutual respect of differences. Human nature for the most part has a real issue with that.

[teresaq]

OK, I can buy that (as well as the wisdom and other thoughts shared). And yes it does.

Now let's clarify what kinds of differences, if this is in keeping with TW's objective.

I wonder if people divide into behavior groups, more than belief groups.

[Overaged]

Stan might have been wearing his Jesuit costume when he made that post Gail. But I would add that the essence of what he said was in agreement with Tom's OP question. So often, our efforts towards unity seem in vain.

I wonder if this is because we don't understand the Bible's meaning of "being one"

[teresaq]

When I realize that I have hurt another and try to make amends I often have to remember that it may be a loooooooooong while before they are able to trust me.

[Overaged]

That is so true