Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-gather-hand-and-foot-in-center-53958/
This question has been asked as long as I can remember, and certainly longer than that: “Why can’t people get along with one another?”
I confess to being better at creating messes than cleaning up messes, asking questions than giving answers, and pointing out problems than offering solutions. Nevertheless, here’s my feeble stab at it:
PUT PEOPLE AHEAD OF THINGS: Church is a venue where we assume this is done. After all, Jesus didn’t give His life for buildings, vans, programs, song books, carpet, parking lots, or man-made traditions. Yet, volumes could be written on the damage done in churches where more value was placed on things. At work, at play, at home – especially, at home – we must not lose sight of the precious worth of people. C.S Lewis said, ‘We have become a nation that loves things and uses people.’ We can do better at getting along by reversing the cycle.
GIVE A LITTLE TIME: In my years as youth minister, I saw kids wanting a little time with dad or mom but not getting it. Since we learn by watching, I’ve wondered how many of those kids grew to model their parents’ example in parenting their own kids.
Spouses need to take time for each other. Husbands, ask your wife if you can spend time with her, just the two of you. Make sure you ask her near a chair or couch, so she isn’t injured when she faints!
Giving is to be a chief characteristic of Christians; this includes our time. If you want people to think you’re exceptional, give them a little of your time. The world doesn’t practice giving; it only takes and takes and takes.
Mrs. Adams enjoyed going to the post office because the postal employees were friendly to her. Standing in a long line to buy stamps before Christmas, someone pointed out there was no need to wait in line because there was a stamp machine in the lobby. She said, “I know, but a machine won’t ask me about my arthritis.” We can work at getting along by giving others a little attention.
BE DIFFERENT: Peter calls us peculiar people. Some have mistakenly thought that meant odd, weird, even freakish. It simply means belonging to or set apart for God. However, that does mean we’re to be different. Peter explains in 1 Pet. 1:22 “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.”
Love one another – deeply – from the heart
We may not get along with everyone, but we can love everyone. It may not be returned, but not because of our effort. You’ve never seen a boxing match with only one fighter in the ring. One way we can work at getting along is to be different than the world. And in all things, remember you are greatly loved!
–Jackie Chesnutt, Chaplain and Emotional Support Coach for Myers-Davis (6/29/2026)
