Understanding the Causes of Strife and the Path to Healing
The State of Our Nation: Chaos, Infighting, and Unrest
In recent years, our nation has been gripped by political chaos, marked by infighting, heated arguments over healthcare, deep-seated racial inequity, racism, and injustice. Government shutdowns and a refusal among leaders to work for the common good of all citizens have only deepened the sense of crisis. As we witness these struggles play out in the halls of power and on our streets, it is vital to examine the underlying causes of such turmoil and consider how we might move toward reconciliation and progress.
The Source of Quarrels: Why Do We Fight?
At the heart of every conflict—whether in politics, communities, or families—lie universal human tendencies. Quarrels often arise from competing desires, different perspectives, and poor communication. Sometimes, these are fueled by personal gain, a need for safety, or the pursuit of glory. Other times, the root causes are more subtle: misunderstandings, jealousy, pride, and unfulfilled needs. When individuals or groups focus on their own interests without empathy or a willingness to compromise, strife becomes inevitable.
· Competing Desires: Conflicts emerge when people want different things or prioritize resources, safety, or reputation differently.
· Misunderstandings and Poor Communication: Failure to clearly state goals, listen actively, or empathize with others’ perspectives breeds conflict.
· Personal Traits: Pride, jealousy, and selfish ambition often drive arguments and escalate tensions.
· Unfulfilled Needs and Lack of Responsibility: When one’s needs are unmet and others refuse to acknowledge or address them, or act irresponsibly, quarrels ensue.
· External Factors: Stress and frustration from other areas of life can spill over into our interactions, making conflicts more likely.
· Desire to Be Right: The urge to win an argument or prove oneself right can be a source of persistent division.
The Deeper Struggle: Worldly Desires and Spiritual Consequences
Beyond the surface of political and social strife lies a deeper spiritual struggle. Many traditions recognize that wars and fightings often stem from the corruptions of the human heart. When our desires are driven by selfishness or worldly ambitions, they create unrest within us and between us. Such “worldly and fleshly lusts” can never truly satisfy, and they lead us away from unity and peace.
Sinful desires and affections not only fuel conflict but also hinder our capacity for meaningful connection and prayerful reflection. When our prayers or pursuits are shaped more by personal lusts than by genuine compassion or grace, our efforts to seek prosperity or justice may return empty. This serves as a warning against abusing the blessings we receive or misusing them for selfish aims.
The Path Forward: Humility, Submission, and the Common Good
If we are to heal as a nation and as individuals, we must learn to submit our understanding to truth, our wills to what is right, and our passions to a higher purpose. Humility is essential: only those who recognize their own need for grace are truly open to receiving it. Submitting to a higher good requires us to set aside pride and selfish ambition, to resist the temptation to conform to the world’s divisions, and to pursue the well-being of all.
The spirit of the world teaches us to accumulate for ourselves, but the spirit of grace urges us to do good to others as we are able. Where pride and envy divide, humility and generosity unite. The proud resist what is right, but the humble are open to growth and change. By mourning over our collective failings and seeking reconciliation, we open ourselves to the comfort and healing that can come only from genuine humility and a commitment to justice.
Conclusion: Toward Unity and Justice
Political chaos, infighting, and social strife are not merely the result of broken systems—they are reflections of the human heart. To address the challenges of healthcare, racial inequity, and injustice, and to move beyond government shutdowns and division, we must confront not only policy failures but also the deeper sources of our quarrels. Only by embracing humility, open communication, and a genuine commitment to the common good can we hope to build a more just and unified society. The path is not easy, but it is necessary—for ourselves, and for the generations yet to come.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 