AIM FOR HARMONY

02/05/2023

"So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up" (Romans 14:19).

God can do all things, yet, He will not command His blessings or manifested presence in an environment that encourages divisiveness. James 3:16 says, "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." In other word, such an environment is the breeding ground for all sorts of evil. On the other hand, an environment that fosters peace, forgiveness, love, patience, and the consciousness of Christ will stir the anointing and presence of the Holy Ghost. Psalm 133:1-3 says, "How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting." Notice here that the pronouncement of prosperity and long life are rooted in harmony with the Word and others. In 2 Corinthians 2:11, when the Scripture says that "we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs" the subject matter was forgiveness! Remember that people are not God, so they will fall short of your expectations from time to time. And when they do, respond with kindness and not with judgment.

Proverbs 6:16-19  says that these are six things that the Lord hates: yea, the seventh one is an abomination unto Him, and that is a person that soweth discord among brethren. For this reason, you must not tolerate anyone speaking ill of others around you. When people do this, their aim is to get you to partake of their evil. But rather than partake, tell them to take their grievances to the person with whom they have the issue. That is the Bible way to resolve conflicts and shut out the devil. Jesus said, "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector." 

Today, I encourage you. Don’t destroy what God is building in and around you.  Rather than destroy or sow division, foster peace, love, kindness, and all that is in Christ Jesus.

God Bless You.

Faith-Filled Confession

I am a vessel through which God's love is expressed. I will pursue peace with all people and apply the wisdom of God's Word to resolve conflicts. By my words and deeds, I will create an atmosphere where God's presence can be made manifest and where the blessing can be fully expressed in Jesus' name. Amen.

ONE YEAR READING PLAN:  Exodus 37-38; Matthew 23:23-39