JESUS SPEAKING

   “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” (Matthew 12: 25)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

    Division produces strife; which in turn, creates weakness.  Although there are many forms of discord, by far the most damaging is ‘internal conflict.’   Hatred between friends is often more devastating than hatred among enemies.  Divisiveness breaks the bonds of marriage; it sets parents against their children; it tears families apart; it defeats armies and conquers entire nations.  The body of Christ is a divine family which is meant to exist in perfect unity and peace.

    Since its inception, the United States has been involved in many military confrontations.  Despite the numerous wars waged in foreign lands, the bloodiest conflict was actually fought on American soil.  The Civil War erupted in the 1860’s; ending nearly 620,000 lives and producing millions of crippled war veterans. The property damage was astronomical; the cost exceeding 6 billion dollars. Cities and railroads were destroyed. Homes and businesses were looted and vandalized; entire crops were set ablaze. Many families were also torn in two, with some siblings fighting for opposing armies.

    Much like 1860’s America, the church has at times, experienced great disunity.  The number of issues that have fostered division include: differing methods of baptism; observance of certain holidays; adherence to dietary restrictions; and the structure of church authority, etc. To avoid divisiveness we must place an emphasis on our common faith in Jesus Christ, and not allow “uncertain things” to divide us. (Note: Many sinful practices that go against biblical doctrine must never be accepted by the body of Christ; but rather deserve spiritual opposition which may create division.)

    “Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to experience spiritual unity.  Please remove those things which divide us, that we might love each other in peace. Cleanse our hearts of any ungodly resentments or divisions. Strengthen Your body, that we might rejoice together as one family. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You; and we ask and we pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name we pray,  amen.”  God bless all of you!