Firm Foundation | Relational Termites: Identifying What’s Eating Away at Unity

“Bitterness, pride, jealousy—some things must be weeded out before the house collapses.”

Opening Prayer:

Lord, today we approach You with hearts filled with gratitude as we seek Your help to become more like You. We want more than appearances; we want unity that’s rooted in truth. Expose the hidden things that eat away at our peace and cause confusion and disunity. Show us the silent destroyers so we can repent, forgive, and rebuild what honours You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The month of August lands us right in the middle of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season. 

Every year, many people fret about what may happen and the possibility of loss of life, homes being destroyed, and economies thrown into chaos. It’s a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly things can change. Yet, it’s also a call to prepare wisely, trust in God’s protection, and support one another in times of crisis.

However, once we have a firm foundation, the chances of collapse in a building are greatly reduced, even when heavy winds, rain, or earthquakes hit. 

Now, sometimes it’s not the hurricane that weakens a house, but the termites. We know termites - cellulose-eating insects, They come silently. You don’t see them at first. But over time, their unseen work rots the structure from within. 

The same is true for our lives, Family. 

When we build on a solid spiritual foundation that is rooted in Christ, guided by truth, and reinforced by faith, we're able to withstand life’s storms. Challenges may shake us, but they won’t destroy us. A well-founded life stands strong, recovers faster, and remains anchored in hope and purpose. 

In relationships, the same thing happens. We often prepare for big storms — conflict, betrayal, distance. But it’s the subtle, unaddressed issues that slowly eat away at trust and closeness. I can identify.

Do we want to heal? Then we must ask ourselves: What are the termites in my relationships?

For some, the termite is jealousy, quiet comparisons and silent competitions that turn love into rivalry. 

For others, it’s bitterness—grudges held so long they’ve blended into your personality. 

Or maybe it’s pride, where apologies are withheld, and self-protection overrides unity.

Family, the Word of God warns us about these internal disruptors.

James 3:16 (NLT) says: “For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”

When selfish ambition enters a friendship or partnership, unity cannot survive. Disunity may begin with a misunderstanding, but it grows in silence and is fed by assumptions. That’s how termites work—they thrive in dark, undisturbed places.

Proverbs 6:16–19 (NIV) lists seven things the Lord hates, and surprisingly, most of them are relational killers. Did you notice that?“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”

Notice the last one: “a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” That’s a termite—someone whose words and actions slowly split people apart. Mercy! 

But catch this: sometimes, we are the ones unknowingly spreading the termites—sharing subtle jabs, entertaining gossip, harbouring resentment while still smiling on the surface. This…we must be so careful. If unity is a wall, these termites hollow it out.

But thanks be to God for His grace that gives us space to repent and rebuild.

Ephesians 4:2–3 (ESV) urges: “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Again, we know the forces of evil appear plentiful and powerful, and so we have to fight for unity. It does not happen by accident. 

We must be eager to protect unity. That means confronting what’s uncomfortable, forgiving what hurts, and asking hard questions like:– Am I secretly jealous?– Do I constantly talk about others under the guise of “concern”?– Am I withholding love or withdrawing because of unresolved offense?

Family, God wants unity for His people—not shallow tolerance but real peace. And peace doesn’t mean agreement on everything. It means hearts aligned with God’s love and committed to walking in humility and truth.

If the Holy Spirit reveals that termites are active in our hearts, do not be ashamed . Receive the conviction as grace. God shows us what’s wrong so He can make it right.

Closing Prayer:

Father, open our eyes to anything in us that damages unity. Where there is jealousy, pride, offense, or hidden resentment, we ask You to cleanse and restore. Help us walk in the humility and love that preserves relationships and honours Your name. We want to be builders, not breakers. In Jesus’ name, amen.