We are only a couple of weeks into 2017, and one thing is abundantly clear: as a nation, we are torn. People are tearing each other down left and right simply because they have a difference of opinion. People are making speeches and forming rallies and groups under the name of 'unity,' but really all they're doing is separating themselves even more. Passive aggressive comments and downright hate from our leaders and now celebrities litters social media. How is that unity? When did we turn into a bunch of sniveling twelve-year-olds who hide behind a computer screen to bully people who are different from themselves?

If we truly want unity, we have to stop attacking each other. We have to stop being offended by every word somebody utters. And we have to get rid of this notion that one man's attitude dictates our own. Hate only spurns more hate if we let it. Just because you don't agree with someone doesn't mean you have to hate them. Just because someone hates you doesn't mean you have to hate them in return. Light drives out darkness. Love drives out hate. We can't preach love and unity while simultaneously attacking the other side of the fence.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." - Hebrews 10:24

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." - Hebrews 3:13

Build each other up. Encourage each other. Encourage conversation not fighting. Try to form a compromise. If no compromise can be found, just love them. Don't attack them on social media or otherwise. That doesn't hurt them. It only makes you look like a petulant child who didn't get their way.

The last time we divided ourselves as a country, a war broke out. Let's not do that again. We can't fight off foreign invaders if we're too busy screaming at each other like kids in a school cafeteria food fight.