“A BROTHER OFFENDED is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.” (Prov. 18:19) Good close friends are hard to find so and very important in our work for the Lord, we must Guard all our friendships and relationships with persistence. We should carefully do all we can to keep peace with great diligence. Avoid, as much as possible, every disagreement and offence that we possibly can. If we cannot avoid them all, then prayerfully settle them quickly. Being especially careful with those we are closely united to.
Why is our unity so important? “I say to you that if TWO OF YOU AGREE on earth concerning ANYTHING THAT THEY ASK, IT WILL BE DONE FOR THEM by My Father in heaven. For where TWO OR THREE are gathered together in My name, I AM THERE in the midst of them.” (Matt. 18:19-20) The devil will stir up anything he can to PREVENT US from having this kind of unity because Jesus promises wonderful results for us as we practice unity.
What causes the rupture of our united friendship to be so severe? It is a rule of nature that offending those who love us may create hatred and revenge. Because they GAVE US their affection, loyalty, service, and trust, the offence strikes deeper in their soul and requires more repair than if done by merely an acquaintance or stranger. So we must prayerfully, be EXTRA CAREFUL with those closest to us. Paul writes, “…walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all LOWLINESS and GENTLENESS, with LONGSUFFERING, bearing with one another IN LOVE, endeavoring to keep THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT in the bond of peace.” (Eph. 4:1-3)
Just how important is this unity to Jesus? “A new COMMANDMENT I give to you, that you LOVE ONE ANOTHER; AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, that you also love one another. By this all will know that YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35) Remember, this is not a suggestion, it’s a COMMANDMENT FROM JESUS given because it demonstrates that we are His disciples!
-Bill Stockham