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marbella3 70F
2480 posts
2/16/2020 3:10 am

Last Read:
2/17/2020 5:12 am

Divided in Love

Bible in a Year:

Leviticus 19–20
Matthew 27:51–66
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2

Ephesians 4:2–6
When public debate erupted over a controversial Singapore law, it divided believers with differing views. Some called others “narrow-minded” or accused them of compromising their faith.

Controversies can cause sharp divisions among God’s family, bringing much hurt and discouraging people. I’ve been made to feel small over personal convictions on how I apply the Bible’s teachings to my life. And I’m sure I’ve been equally guilty of criticizing others I disagree with.

I wonder if the problem lies not in what or even in how we express our views, but in the attitudes of our hearts when we do so. Are we just disagreeing with views or seeking to tear down the people behind them?

Yet there are times when we need to false teaching or explain our stand. Ephesians 4:2–6 reminds us to do so with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. And, above all else, to make every effort “to keep the unity of the Spirit” (v. 3).

Some controversies will remain unresolved. God’s Word, however, reminds us that our goal should always be to build up people’s faith, not tear them down (v. 29). Are we putting others down to win an argument? Or are we allowing God to help us understand His truths in His time and His way, remembering that we share one faith in one Lord? (vv. 4–6).

Reflect & Pray
How can you explain your stand on sensitive issues humbly, gently, and lovingly? What will you pray for those seem to disagree?

God, guide me as I speak the truth so that I do so of love and seek only to build up, not to tear down.


MrsJoe 76F
17308 posts
2/16/2020 6:03 am

Good point. And then there are times it is best to say nothing because it just leads to arguments that go nowhere.

Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.


TxJW_I 81M

2/16/2020 7:17 am

You have arrived at the one thing everyone can or should agree on. SPEAK THE TRUTH. I appreciate that. Thank you.

My family lives by that principle. Anything other than the truth falls away from consideration because it can not be explained and has no meaning.
Pray On!


starwomyn 70F
8871 posts
2/16/2020 10:33 pm

I always try to the similarities versus the differences.

Abracadabra


MrsJoe 76F
17308 posts
2/17/2020 8:03 am

    Quoting starwomyn:
    I always try to the similarities versus the differences.
Many denominations of Christian churches are almost hostile to one another because of each one's "teachings". Our pastor often taught that if we focus on the ONE thing we have in common, salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ, then all the little doctrinal differences would be no problem between us.

Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.