Unity in Diversity 7 Clear Ways to Diffuse Anger Biblically

Are you struggling to find unity in diversity with all that’s taking place in America? If you are like me you are left with more confusion than solutions. So many questions can bombard your mind such as…What can you do? How can you help? How can you make a difference? How is it possible to fix so much division? Lastly, how can you diffuse anger biblically, right?

Full disclosure warning…Those who “know me personally” understand one main characteristic about me. What am I referring to? So glad you asked! Lol! I HATE confrontations of ANY kind.

I usually do whatever it takes to separate myself from it altogether. Argumentative situations and people take me back to the frightened shell of a woman I used to be. An abusive 15-year marriage taught me to stay silent.

That being said, bringing unity in diversity is very important. I had originally planned to continue writing on the topic of what does the Bible say about series.

However, the Holy Spirit has led me in a much different direction and I must obey and heed that warning! In my own understanding, I’m thinking Lord? I am not comfortable with this topic.

Living biblically with unity and diversity is such a difficult topic in our country right now. Wouldn’t someone else be more qualified than I am, God? God Wins Every Time!

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How Can You Find Unity in Diversity?

First and foremost, I want to say what the world, this nation, needs above all else, is Jesus Christ! Only through Jesus will we find true peace and healing!

We need Jesus Christ’s justice! His mercy and help! We desperately need God’s leading so you and I can help bring peace, not hatred. We need to model Christ-like love and comfort to everyone.

How can we, as America, find common ground and bring the unity in diversity this country so desperately needs?

Between the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and the ensuing riots, how can you find unity through division when it’s all around us? I am by no means saying people don’t have the right to protest and have a voice.

As citizens, you have a right to be heard and make a positive change. I feel it’s important to be treated as equals. When I look at “anyone” I see the individual not the color of their skin or ethnic background.

However, there’s so much hatred and fighting. It’s everywhere. Below is just the tip of the iceberg!

1. Neighborhoods
2. Street Corners
3. Social Media
4. Work Place
5. Radio
6. News
7. Parks
8. TV

It’s time for every single person to acknowledge that something is very broken in our country and that systemic racism is very real. That being said, You MUST start seeking unity in diversity.

To start with it’s important to understand the differences between diversity and unity before I continue.

What is Diversity?

The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique and recognizing our individual differences.

Diversity encompasses differences that make us unique, including but not limited to race, color, ethnicity, language, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, gender, gender, socio-economic status, age, and physical and mental ability.

What is Unity?

Unity is being together or at one with someone or something. It’s the opposite of being divided. Unity is a word for togetherness or oneness.  Unity is needed for survival. Unity among people protects us and provides peace when we stand together.

Heavy-hearted for unity in diversity

I don’t know about you but my heart is heavy and burdened right now. First of all, I want to acknowledge that I have never walked in the shoes of those oppressed and afraid for their lives.

Now, I have feared for my life and was very afraid while I was in an abusive marriage, but that’s a different type of issue.

I’m being truthful when I say I only know what’s being reported on the news and what they deem as “newsworthy.” As more stories of everyday oppression are spoken, I want to listen and learn and do something to make a difference.

Don’t you want to make an impact and but have no idea where to start? However, In my opinion, the best place to start is by looking at what does the Bible say about unity?

Seeking Unity in Diversity

To begin with, I want to make it clear that I do not stand for looting, violence, or cyber-bullying, PERIOD! There has been so much violence going on and within my heart, I don’t understand the purpose of this. I understand the need for equality but it needs to be done peacefully.

Support first responders

I support the first responders and law enforcement personnel who are putting themselves in harm’s way every single day to keep you safe.

Now, that being said, the murder of George Floyd was wrong, and I do NOT condone what the officer did! He needs to be punished for his crime just like anyone else who has committed murder.

But can you also agree with the fact that not all law enforcement officers are bad? This would be judging all of them by the same standard, right? That would not be fair. I’m Caucasian and I can honestly say that there are both good and bad people in my race.

It’s in all races, colors, ethnicity, language, nationality, sexual orientation, religions, gender, gender, socioeconomic status, age, and physical and mental ability, correct?

7 Ways to Diffuse Anger Biblically

I got an email from someone I look up to very much and has helped me tremendously to get organized with my blogging. As I was reading her heartfelt words my heart broke for her and left me shattered.

I tried putting myself in her shoes and was coming up completely empty. I got full permission to share both Elizabeth’s words and the website with you. Her email is emotional yet powerful!

Listen Intentionally, “Be a friend”

HER MAIL:

“These last days, weeks..have been rough. As a half-black woman, I am hurting alongside so many of my brothers, sisters, and allies. I have spent the week trying my best to educate, explain, and to plead with those that don’t understand why people are protesting.

And I am tired.

I would love for all of you to come alongside me to pray for our nation. I wanted to write to you about something else this week but I just can’t. It’s not even appropriate in light of what is going on here in America.

So I want to take a few minutes of your time to say that America right now is seeing the ugly side of what systemic racism and oppression does. No, I do not condone violence and riots.

Yes, I fully agree that protests need to be happening and I hope that they don’t stop until real change is made. We cannot focus on looting when -as Trevor Noah put it- America has been looting black bodies.

I saw a video of George Floyd’s daughter saying “Daddy changed the world” I want so much with all of my being for that to continue to be true. I want to share with you something that I realized this week.

I read a status that a mother shared about her 13 year old black daughter never wanting to leave a gas station store without buying something in fear that she’ll be assumed a thief.

And it made me realize that this is the reality I have faced all of my life. But I never put words to it. I hate leaving a store without buying something. I always think I’m being watched.

I used to always come up with what to say if I’m stopped while trying to exit the store, and sometimes I still do at 32 years old. I have a mini anxiety attack every single time I leave any store without buying something.

This is just a small piece of the huge mental burden that is silently inside a black person in America. I’m light-skinned, you can tell I’m black by looking at me but sometimes I can “get a pass” and use white privilege in certain scenarios.

Being mixed gives me a unique perspective in this country, because while I have experienced plenty of racism, I have also used white privilege when I can make myself “pass” as a white person by straightening my hair for job interviews etc.

There is just so much. Too much to write in an email. But please know that being able to walk around without the burden of being constantly accused for something you didn’t do based on your skin color is a privilege every single black person deserves.

But the reality is that being black in America = being a criminal. And that is why it is so easy for police to get away with murdering black people. This is not a reality that people of color should face.

The burden is heavy. It is exhausting. And people are angry, and they have every right to be. I have taught over and over in my free resources that anger itself is not a sin. It is a normal God-given response. It’s what we do with that anger.

And I’m happy to see so many are taking that anger and peacefully protesting. And I hope you see it too. That the peaceful protesters are not the same people as the rioters. And to group them together is doing the same thing that we have been fighting for for so long- to not credit the sins of some people to an entire group of people.

Please pray with me. It is not enough anymore to just not be racist. Our country needs to be anti-racist. And actively stand up and speak out against racism. I would like to attach a resource from a blogger that I follow. It’s for anyone who struggles with how to respond. You can check it out here.

I know that this all might be uncomfortable, but I don’t believe change has ever come from comfort. I love you all, And I hope that you will join me in prayer. With love in Christ”

-Elizabeth Gidley
Learn about racial inequality, injustice and how you can help.

Avoid Social Media

I have personally “heard” (I don’t get on my personal social media much) that so many friends and relationships are being split due to posts and comments about what’s taking place in our country now. If you want to keep in touch with friends and relatives find another way…FaceTime, Zoom, Telephone…etc

Read the Bible

Studying God’s word and memorizing scriptures will always put you in a better frame of mind. Scripture is God-breathed, alive, and active, and it will change your heart for the better. You’ll find yourself in a much better frame of mind. Remember, go to God’s word if you sense frustration and anger rising.

Lookup

Remember this above all else…God is in control! God is still Good! God can be Trusted! If you want to get your mind off the troubles that are going on in our country take the opportunity to watch sermons online and learn more about Jesus and eternity.

Invest your time in things eternal. My Pastor did a recent sermon called…Thinking Biblically about racism in the culture and the Church.

Watch Uplifting TV, Movies, and Music

My husband and I have PureFlix and it’s nothing but uplifting shows. I highly recommend watching “The Chosen.” This is an 8-episode series about Jesus and is remarkably uplifting. It’s FREE when you download The Chosen App!

When you face any circumstance that is out of your control turn to music. It puts you in a much better frame of mind.

Provide a Service

Helping someone other than yourself will always get your mind back into a good place. Contact your local church to see how you can help someone out in your community. Many people are out of work due to COVID so use your time and energy in a much better way.

Start Journaling

I got this idea from an email:

Write a paragraph of sentences that express how you are feeling. Number the sentences. Then take each sentence and first ask, “Is that true?”. Next, apply God’s truth or a solution to it. This helps you be more rational when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

25 helpful bible verses to calm frustration about unity and diversity

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:30

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Isaiah 43:18

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you. 2 Chronicles 20:17

For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37

Jesus, Founder, and Perfecter of Our Faith

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Looking to Jesus, the founder, and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Do Not Grow Weary

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:3

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

That the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:17

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live. Deuteronomy 30:19

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs. 3:5

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs. 3:6

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. Jeremiah 29:12

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

I want to end this post with my friend’s Quote on Unity through Diversity:

Please pray with me. It is not enough anymore to just not be racist. Our country needs to be anti-racist and actively stand up and speak out against racism. I would like to attach a resource from a blogger that I follow. It’s for anyone who struggles with how to respond. You can check it out here.

Your Turn

Do you realize with your human eye you can not possibly see how unity through diversity will play out in our country? But one thing you can rest assured of is this one promise…God Knows! God Sees! God is in Control! How are you going to show unity to others?

Hey Friend, Thanks For Reading!

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