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Worthy
Ministries
“There
are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that
devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who
breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” - Proverbs 6:16-19
"One that sows discord among brothers" is an
abomination to God.
It’s an
amazing passage that is often overlooked when considering offenses which God
hates.
The
events presently taking place around the world are causing more discord among
people than I've seen in my lifetime.
Everyone
I've spoken with from around the world seems to agree that this phenomenon
is increasing.
And
while it's understandable that people in the world are cracking and conflicted
under pressure, it's even more troubling that this fracturing and division
seems to be affecting the body of Messiah as well.
A
particularly sad example of this surrounds the recently opened television
station (Shelanu TV) in Israel developed by believers in Yeshua for
communicating the Gospel to a Hebrew speaking audience.
Of
course, everyone vehemently believes he's on GOD'S side of the argument.
It
would seem to be crystal clear that, as the Apostle Paul states, the
Gospel is "to the Jew first".
And how
could anyone dispute that it was always the heart of God to reach the Jewish
people with the Gospel.
Paul
even said he could wish himself to be accursed if only His people Jewish people
might be saved.
And
we should absolutely share that passion with him.
But
what counsel might we offer in a situation like this one?
Apart from the details of the argument, and the passions on
either side of it, I believe we need to follow Paul's instruction to
Timothy: "The servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but be kind
to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents
in gentleness … that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the
enemy."
It's an
attitude; not so much the "words", but "the music", the
tone of the discussion, the way we "argue".
Because,
while there will always be disagreements and controversies among us, discord,
and those who sow it are walking in the flesh, the sinful nature, a
self-righteous and belligerent attitude, which is an abomination to our Lord.
As
passionate as we may be over an issue, we ought to remember that it's so easy
to get in the flesh and sow discord among our brothers and sisters.
But
it's one of the things God hates, so keep it in mind.
Worthy
Ministries
is a Christian organization based in the United States and Israel with a global
outreach to more than 120 countries on a daily basis.
Though
we are an internet ministry, we are also significantly involved in the land of
Israel.
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