Division

So I looked up the word division in the dictionary, and this is how it is defined.

Division:  (noun)- something that divides or separates.
                           - the act or process of dividing. (which would make it a verb right?)
                           -separation by difference of opinion or feeling; disagreement; or dissension.

Division isn't something I deal with on a daily basis.  My life, is pretty normal.  I have a routine (well sort of!).  I deal with my kids and husband mostly, and only interact with a few friends, and our church.  I choose my friends carefully.  I'm not the type of person who gets close to everybody in the room.  It takes work to get to know me.  I'm not always the easiest person to deal with (quit acting surprised!). So when I was around the age of 12, I delt with middle school girls and boys who were not nice.  Middle school was a time of bullying, getting picked on, and gossiping.  It must be that age group.  I'm sure it wasn't just me!  So by the time high school came, I had a few friends that were close, but chose my friends carefully.  Middle school taught me that.  If you let your friends pick you, you'll end up being a follower.  That's not me!  God has taught me sooooo many lessons over the years.  And I'm only 31, so He's not done with me yet!  I haven't had to deal with grown women acting like twelve year olds in....oh about 18 years.  So when I encountered that recently, it was kind of shocking.  I didn't think grown women acted that way.  So, I've been a bit frustrated as to what to do.  Do I stay friends with people who act this way? Do I forgive them and move on? What if it keeps on happening?  How much of it is my fault? 

You know when you meet someone new, and you "click" with them, you feel all warm and fuzzy at the prospect of gaining a new friend?  What if you let your guard down, and tell that person things that you've been through, only to have them turn on you?  My first instinct is to drop them like a hot potato.  But what does Gods' word say about it? Here's what I've found:

  Romans 16:17-  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences       contrary to the doctrine ye have learned;  and avoid them.

So I wouldn't literally "mark" a person, but I do know how to avoid them.  It is possible to work with someone, and still not be a close friend to them.  It's also possible to love a person from afar. (sometimes really FAR!)  There are those people who you just have to accept, and know that you cannot change.  I'm responsible to God for MY actions.  Not weather or not "Sally" approves of my actions or not.  Maybe "Sally" should look at herself, and her own sin instead of pointing the finger at others all the time.  Maybe other people aren't the problem.  Maybe its "Sally".  Hmmmm....just a thought;)