How can you help resolve disunity in your home or community?

Disunity causes division among members of the family or group. It is very unhealthy, especially for the children living in the family. Unresolved conflict in the family has led to mental health problems in children such as depression, anxiety, poor sleep and aggressive behaviour. It is therefore very important to create unity at home. Unity helps build trust and confidence among family members. It is the effort of each member. Always practise acts of kindness. Small acts of love can go a long way in restoring unity. Avoid situations that lead to arguments. Respect each other’s opinions and compromise when possible. 

Strengthening family bonds such as going to church, sharing meals, games or activities that bring the family together, or going on a trip so that each member becomes an active and willing participant will be good. We can also have open communication with each member of the family and find time to talk openly and honestly with each other. We have to listen carefully and support each other, and not to be afraid to express our feelings and opinions respectfully. There may be disagreements, but by respecting each other, even the most complex issues can potentially be resolved through dialogue — all of which can deepen the bonds of love, respect, trust and understanding. If only all these actions and deeds were practised by all of us, every family would have unity and the world would be a happier and better place to live in.

— Mary Ann Arconado-Aspacio

Help the people involved to find solutions together. As we work together to find a solution, remember to let them know that they can always offer advice if anyone asks. If not, then be sure to listen carefully and attentively. Try to steer clear of situations that might lead to arguments and be more open to peaceful discussions instead. Let’s help those who might have caused trouble to learn from it and do better next time. Let’s be kind to each other and remember that our words can hurt others, so let’s try to avoid saying anything negative. Let’s all work together to achieve a happy and harmonious outcome!

— Mary Ann Jutajero

We should respect each other’s opinions and decisions. Listen to both sides of the story without being biased and stay calm. Shouting doesn’t help anyone. We can find great solutions to our problems and prevent disunity in our homes and communities!

— Rhea Stephanie Ledesma

Disunity may sometimes arise in our home or in the church. In my opinion, we should be ready to help and understand each other at home and in our community. We cannot avoid that sometimes problems arise. So we should solve problems before they become bigger and affect the good relationship. We should develop a good attitude towards each other and be humble enough to admit mistakes and be sorry for them, in order to avoid disunity at home and in our community.

— Rosana Macarana

There may be disputes and clashes between families and communities, but I have faith that they will be resolved. God is the only source of love and perfection. I may deliver God’s message in my small way or in some conversation and meeting. I can give my side and explain what I think is right, but avoid insisting on my opinion or saying ‘this is what you’re going to do’. Instead, I ask for feedback and respect the decisions of the majority, even if I don’t agree with them. Avoid arguments and judgements. Respect is the key to getting involved in conflict. Open lines of communication. Resolve conflicts or disagreements immediately. Don’t blame others for mistakes that have already happened, but find ways to solve them. I don’t accept negativity but challenge myself to focus on the silver lining. Encourage family and community members to live in peace and promote harmony. Be forgiving. Submit to God’s grace and mercy, because we can’t do it alone. And always be in prayer mode.

— Gina Vasquez