Family feuds

I have read that more than 80% of murders are committed by people related to the deceased.  That tells me that the nastiest conflicts, deadliest disagreements and strongest emotions are found in family relationships.  Maybe it is because “you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family”. More likely it is because where there was once strong love it has been replaced by deep hurt, bitter unforgiveness and unresolved anger.  It is terribly disappointing to know that the church is generally more well known for its disagreements, disputes and division than for its love and harmony.  If you look at the history of just the churches in your town, suburb or neighbourhood you will find that more than likely most of them will be borne out of a split, splinter group or someone’s sour dummy spit.  Very few will be a result of purposeful planting to reach a particular people group and even less due to significant growth requiring multiple venues and more intimate environments.  As parents we do not like to see our kids fighting, arguing, being disrespectful to each other, being selfish and separatist neither does God like to see his family torn apart by people claiming to love Him.