You have heard it said, “There are two sides to every story”.  There are sometimes dozens of sides.  Like the facets of a diamond are all the factors that influence the disagreements and divisions among us.  The factors that influence all sides are: cultural streams, one-sided talking points, blind loyalty, dysfunctional conditioning, injured souls, anger issues, agendas, pride, an inordinate need to be right, etc.  The point of all of this is that thoughtful people need to see these threads in themselves and others.  Using a principle from 1 Peter 3:7, we are to live with each other in “understanding ways so that our prayers are not hindered”; to say it in another way, our unthoughtful relationships with our fellow humans affect our relationship with the Father.  Relationships are essential to good harmony, but we must know that it often takes tedious thought in how we should relate to each other.