In this episode, we conclude our series on the garden of our hearts and explore what it means to cultivate unity—which is especially important as we enter the busy and often stressful holiday season. We talk about the difference between anger and contempt and how contempt can not only fracture relationships but also plant seeds of division in our hearts. We also reflect on how we can respond to discord with humility, a holy curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand. Ultimately, unity begins with love, bears good fruit, and reflects the presence of Christ within us.

Heather's One Thing - The Cheesecloth Turkey Basting Method (Example Here)

Sister Miriam's One Thing - College Volleyball Playoffs (especially Nebraska)

Michelle's One Thing - Twinkling Trees from Walmart

Announcement:

Our Advent Study begins December 1st, 2025!

Journal Questions:

• Where in my heart am I harboring contempt?
• What groups of people or individuals do I see as worthless?
• When was the last time that someone treated you with contempt? How did that impact you?
• How am I seeking to understand people with different opinions?
• How is the Lord inviting me to refine and cultivate my tone to speak love to others?
• When faced with division and disunity, are the movements of my heart and my external actions congruent?

Discussion Questions:

• What differences have you observed between conformity and unity?
• What differences have you observed between anger and contempt?
• When are you tempted to roll my eyes, sneer, act with hostility, speak with sarcasm?
• When is it hardest for you to cultivate unity?

Quote to Ponder:

"To understand one another and to grow in charity and truth, we need to pause, to accept and listen to one another. In this way, we already begin to experience unity. Unity grows along the way; it never stands still. Unity happens when we walk together." (Pope Francis, Homily at second Vespers on the solemnity of the conversion of St. Paul, Jan. 25, 2015)

Scripture for Lectio:

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:1-6)

Sponsor - Glory: Women's Gathering:

If you're feeling like your spiritual life could use a little more support than podcasts and online formation can offer, you need to check out this week's sponsor, the Glory: Women's Conference hosted by Steubenville Conferences in partnership with Heather Khym.

We want to invite you to join Heather, Michelle, and our dear friends Debbie Herbeck, Sarah Kaczmarek, Monica Richards, and Fr. Dave Pivonka TOR this coming June 5-7 in Steubenville, Ohio, as we gather with women across generations and seek God's restoration and healing. This gathering will include talks, worship, prayer experiences, and the opportunity to interact with fellow Abiding Together listeners and new friends from all over who will be flying in.

Heather and Michelle would absolutely love to meet you. Whether you come with your Abiding Together small group, with a close friend, or on your own, we can't wait to gather in fellowship with you.

Registration is now open for the Glory: Women's Conference. For early bird pricing of only $259, register by December 31st. The price will go up in the new year.

Visit steubenvilleconferences.com/events/glory for more information or to register!

Chapters:

00:00 Glory: Women's Gathering

01:31 Intro

02:22 Advent Announcement

03:14 Welcome

05:19 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

06:19 Distinguishing Anger vs Contempt

11:28 Living Like We are One Body in Christ

13:48 Seeking to Understand Rather than be Understood

18:22 The Power of Our Tone of Voice

20:35 Examining the Fruit in Our Lives

22:49 Maturing Spiritually

27:06 Repairing Strained Relationships

29:08 One Things