Early Friday morning, Britain woke up to the news that it will leave the European Union.
Many people on both sides of the EU referendum debate are feeling uncertain about their future, the future of the country and the future of Europe. And the close results and demographic data of the vote have led many to feel that the country is divided.
Division isn't something solely brought about by contentious political decisions; it can occur under all types of conditions and in response to extremely personal situations.
Sometimes it may seem as though the physical or metaphorical barriers that separate us from one another are impossible to hurdle. And sometimes we don't even want to work to remove them.
Does a divide exist within your family or friendship group? Is there a sharp division among the residents in your community? If you're despairing at the lack of unity among neighbours or nations, then you can draw comfort from God's Word.
Regardless of your political or personal situation, we're stronger when we work together. Love and unity are two principles that brilliantly complement each other. They are also two principles that God wants us to implement in our interactions with each other.
Here are nine Bible verses to meditate on as you hope, pray and work for unity during times of division.
Ephesians 4:3 — "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
1 Corinthians 1:10 — "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."
John 17:23 — "I in them and you in me — so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
Ephesians 4:11-13 — "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
Colossians 3:13-14 — "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Romans 12:16 — "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."
Psalm 133:1 — "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!"
Ephesians 2:14 — "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility."
1 Peter 3:8 — "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."
