United

As I was in pre-production on my new movie, A Marriage Made in Heaven, something interesting happened.

We had a walk-through meeting with the crew and there was one individual who seemed so angry. He had a hoodie pulled over his head, sunglasses on, and barely spoke the entire day. When we broke for lunch, he didn’t want to sit with us and when he left for the night, he didn’t even say goodbye. He just flipped his hand in the air and walked away.

Everyone urged me to let him go, as they thought he would be nothing but trouble on the set. I spoke to the head of the crew and he told me he would release him, if that’s what I wanted to do.

But, something told me not to do that. I kept wondering if that would be a big mistake.

God has never expected us to be perfect or to get along with everyone all the time. But he does expect us to treat each other with love and respect.

Consider Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

I love this verse because it perfectly sums up the fact that we are better off working together versus alone.

So, a few weeks later, we had our second meeting. This time it was on Zoom. About two hours into the meeting, I realized that one of the people on the call was this same person. He looked entirely different! I could actually see his face! And when I asked some questions, he was wonderful to speak with. Wow.

Yes, I’m guessing the head of the department spoke to him, but, more importantly, he was given a second chance and he changed. And I’m really looking forward to being on the set with this person.

This is why I urge you, if you are struggling to get along with an individual or a group, focus on fostering those relationships. Build them up. Treat them with love. Put aside your differences and focus on your common ground. I realize that not every relationship will be a good one, but, you may surprise yourself how a bad relationship can turn out good.

We are all God’s children and I know that each and every one of us can find the good in each other.

Remember Hebrews 10:24, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”

Unity and love are essential for a happy, peaceful world.

So, do your part by spreading a little faith, hope and love around the world.

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