Another of Satan’s tools is to divide and conquer. If he can destroy a marriage, a hobby or service group, a church family, a parent-child relationship, etc. he is happy as a lark. We are wise to look at problems through the magnifying glass of God’s Spirit in order to discern the real root of the issue.
Jesus called His disciples to love one another as He loves us (John 13:34). We are to prefer one another, to speak our mind with a gentle spirit and a loving heart, and to refrain from causing discord in God’s family of Believers. We can more easily do this if we focus on where we agree, rather than on our differences.
Wounded people, wound other people; so, as we help each other to heal from our past and current issues, our unity with one another increases. God’s Spirit unites us rather than divides us, and He can bless a unified Body of Believers.
People who have a need to control are not evil, they are simply attempting to keep order in their sphere of influence. Their efforts are extremely exhausting to them, but they feel safer if they are in charge. Others may do things differently than they would do them, but in reality both people get the job done.
There are tares among the wheat in every church family, but it is not our job to weed them out. God’s Word advises us to allow them to grow up together, because they look so much alike; but at harvest time, the tares bear no fruit like the wheat does and the Master Gardener can separated them then (Matthew 13:24-30).
We can pray for those who cause conflict in our church family. As we do, God will weed out the tares in what we call a “blessed subtraction.” In the meantime, we encourage the discontented members, and make them gifts, or send them cards to let them know that they are loved.
Prayer:
Father God help us never to judge another person by the moment of their behavior. We have no idea what they suffered in their life, or what happened to them today that is causing them to act in such an unbecoming manner. Give us compassion on others, because we want compassion from others for the negative circumstances that we have in our life.
Remind us that others may be in a severe trial, or even suffering the consequences of a debilitating event, or having some physical ailment that is not obvious to the natural eye but that is a real issue none-the-less. Of course, remind us that showing others and our self both forgiveness and compassion are of utmost importance for our spiritual, emotional, and mental stability. Teach us that when we abide in Your peace within us, we can dwell together with others in more unity too.
Thought for the Day:
Our Biblical defense against satanic warfare is twofold and in this order:
1. Draw near to God
2. Resist the devil
If we follow this admonition, satanic forces must flee from us, because God’s Word assures us of it; thankfully, God’s Holy Spirit gives us power and wisdom, while He is sanctifying our soul, to have what we need to stand against the devil’s schemes.
- James 4:7-10; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:11
