Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. – 2 Corinthians 13:11
“Can I get a whoop whoop?” is just another way of saying, “tell me I’m right and you agree with me!” But what happens when you are in the company of God’s good people, and you do not think the speaker is right and you do not agree?
The complicated days we are living in are defined by disagreement and discord even among followers of Christ. The enemy of the Church would like nothing more than to see it destroyed by division and disagreement. The Bible speaks plainly on what causes disagreements among believers. It may surprise you to realize that although it may appear to be social issues and politics, it is not! The first chapter of James clearly states that divisions and fights come directly from people’s hearts! When a person needs to be right and is looking for power and control, or building a platform for status, division is the natural end result.
God knew that His people would be challenged by sin and disagreements when attempting to gather in His name. His word has clear outlines in Matthew 18 for how to handle conflict in the church. The only successful tool for resolution is the most powerful tool, the gospel of Christ! When every heart is humbly submitted to Christ, unity, not conformity, will reign and people will walk in grace towards each other.
Today dedicate yourself to be a pursuer of unity in your family and in your church. Pray for harmony among America’s governing authorities. Ask that humble hearts dedicated to the Lord will speak up across the nation, bringing restoration and the peace of God to this land.
Today’s Verse: 2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: James 3:13-18
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
