“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” -Matthew 5:9
Jesus taught that being a person who brings reconciliation is what defines us. If we will follow him we must confront this sinful pattern of thoughtless strife sowing and learn a new way. Do you find yourself in the center of conflict at home, church, clubs, and school? Do people see you as a pot stirrer? God has a better way. REMEMBER GOD DETESTS SINS THAT DESTROY RELATIONSHIPS!
There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers. -Proverbs 6:19
This Sunday in “big church” we will talk about how to avoid being a strife spreader and how to learn to be a peace maker. This teaching may really help your holiday season be a time of unity and not strife. To grow in unity we must be together so make an honest effort to attend a worship service.
Blessings,
Joe
PREPARING FOR SUNDAY
- Make plans to attend
- Prayerfully consider the scriptures and discussion questions
- Leave time to attend a small group
- Contact one person and invite them to come to worship with you.
Questions:
- What are ways people can actively or passively sow strife?
- Why is this so destructive in your home?
Joh 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
- Why is this so destructive in a church?
1Co 1:10-13 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
- How can you avoid being drawn into someone’s faction?
- What is the relationship to gathering together in small and large groups to maintaining unity?
Heb 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
- What are things you can do to be a peace maker and guarder of unity? Rom_14:19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
Eph 4:1-3 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
