The Daily – Bickering
Lately, I have been seeing more and more bickering, conflicts, dissensions and squabbles among the Body of Christ. Some of the disagreements can get downright nasty. I do not think that it should be that way. If we see our brother or sister in error, all we can do is first, try and tell them one on one; then, before a leader; and finally, his/her church. If we have done all this, and still no change, then we need to wash our hands of the situation and pray for them. Period. Public bashing, accusations, name calling, public displays of anger, arguing points and criticizing others is NOT how Christians should be behaving.
Seriously, we act like a bunch of little children sometimes. We argue about who is right and who is wrong. This one is in error and that one is whacked out. Who do we think we are?? ONLY God can judge a man and ONLY God knows the true heart and motive of a person. Who are we to judge another human being? All we can do is share what we believe is right in a loving and respectful way. Wait on God to convict, and trust that their eyes will be open. We cannot allow ourselves to get caught up in the windstorm of controversy and dissension in the church. For if we do, we are not helping, we are merely crippling our power, and making a fool of ourselves to a world that already thinks we are clueless.
Do not misunderstand, as I mentioned above, there is a way we should be trying to help a brother or sister who is in error or who has offended us. However, that is the ONLY solution! Public wars, verbal bashing and the need to prove our point to the world is ALL sin. WE are sinning when we behave like argumentative children with no love or self control!
What leads to strife and how do conflicts, quarrels, and fighting originate among you? Do they not arise from sensual desires that are ever warring in your bodily members? You are jealous and covet what others have and your desires go unfulfilled; so you become murderers. To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned. You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain the gratification, contentment, and happiness that you seek, so you fight and war… – James 4:1-2
I strongly believe that strife and conflicts in the Body of Christ are a CLEAR tactic of the enemy to blind us, get our eyes off of our true purpose and cause us to be ineffective. It is a shame when we allow this to occur all in the name of “Jesus”, and all with the supposed motive of “declaring truth”! It is truly sad and I am certain our Beloved Savior mourns when He sees us behaving this way.
Now the mind of the flesh is death. But the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [both now and forever]. That is because the mind of the flesh with its carnal thoughts and purposes is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot. So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him. – Romans 8:6-8
It is our FLESH that has the need to be right, prove points, quarrel, judge, accuse, etc.
For to him who has shown no mercy, the judgment will be merciless, but mercy exults victoriously over judgment. – James 2:13
Hmmm…
Let’s Pray;
Daddy God, help me to never judge, need to be right or show no mercy to another person. Help me to only correct in love when needed. Help me to let go and trust You. Help me to never participate in conflicts, angry judgmental discussions, argumentative topics, or anything that makes YOUR Church look powerless and lacking self control and mercy. I love You, Lord and I want to be abundant in mercy so that I can receive abundant mercy! Help me to see the error of MY ways. Help me to pray for those I know are in error and never participate in public bashing and conflicts. Open the eyes of Your people, Lord. Open their eyes. Help them to see how crippling this behavior is. Have mercy on us. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
Homework:
I looked up some powerful Scriptures to help you see the danger of judgment and dissension. Seek God on the matter and pray diligently before you participate in discussions that are judgmental, argumentative and contribute to conflict. I want to encourage you to dig deeper and learn to be merciful, forgiving and peacemakers. Take the time to look each verse up and check the references. Study and find TRUTH and MERCY in God’s Word!
- Luke 6:36
- James 2:10-13
- James 3:9-12
- Proverbs 21:21
- Colossians 3:13
- Matthew 23:23
- Luke 6:37
- 1 Peter 2:9
Memorize: Blessed are the merciful, For they shall receive mercy. – Matthew 5:7
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