Solomon said, “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city” (Proverbs 18:19). How true that statement is and how easily it can become our reality. A quick and thoughtless word of sarcasm or cynicism can do damage to another that is not easily mended. The second half of Proverbs states… “and contentions are like the bars of a citadel.”
How tragic, yet how true it is, that even among those in the Body of Christ, there are huge and impenetrable walls and bars that separate brothers and sisters in Christ and drastically reduce the power and effectiveness of the people of God. The Psalmist noted that brethren dwelling in unity was both lovely and pleasant and made possible the full and unhindered anointing like that which when poured on Aaron’s head and bathed and saturated his entire being. Unfortunate it is that the anointing so powerfully and clearly at work in Christ’s life, who is the head of the Body, is unable to reach fully the entire church because of the fractured nature of so many relationships within the people of God. There are so many offenses that wreak havoc in the lives and relationships of God’s people.
Broken relationships most often occur because both parties are too stubborn to admit wrong, say they are sorry, or humbly lay down their right to be right. Jesus laid aside His right to exercise the attributes of Deity in order to reconcile us to God. We are called to have that same mind.
Are we willing to lay down our right to have the final word, gain personal vindication, or secure our agenda? Will we break down the bars of contention and seek to bring healing and reconciliation to brokenness and pain? If we will give ourselves to that end, we can experience a life of blessing, hope, and great victory.
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I really like this. I will use this as a part of my devotions along with Daily Bread. Short and to the point. Just what we need in this busy world. I will forward this to others. Thank you Pastor Kevin for going yet another extra mile.
ReplyDeletepastor kevin, thank you for all you do, I know you are truly a man of GOD. You reach out to the community in so many ways, this being on of them. I thank you for all your hard work, and thank you for teaching the word straight from the bible, may GOD bless you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great and needed topic! It may be hard to face up to it, but many of us need to do just what you have suggested in your last paragraph.
ReplyDeleteBroken relationships is not just a two-party problem;it is one that can grow exponentially. It grows rapidly every time we share our anger with others who in turn share... with others.
Thank you, Pastor Kevin, for sharing this message with us. May we all now remember to face the proper brother or sister to resolve the issue in a Christian way. I know I have been guilty, but I will make the change.
Dear Pastor
ReplyDeleteYou must do what we must do. If you have been offended by a brother or sister you must go to that person *alone* and give them a chance to work it out. They may not even know that have offended you.
In Christ,
Bob Evans