“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your
people, but love your neighbor as yourself.
I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:18
This is
aimed at Christians as well as the Hebrews of the Old Testament. The key words are “anyone among your people”. In John 13:35 Jesus proclaims that the world
will know we are His representatives on this earth by our love for one
another. We must forgive those things
said and/or done to us by those of the brethren understanding that they too are
from dust and to dust shall return just as we are. If their actions persist there is a different
course of action to take, but it never involves revenge or grudge holding. You take the situation to another brother or
sister or even to the pastor to act as a mediator.
There are
far too many breaches in the wall caused by those within the body of
Christ. My friends, this ought not to
be. For those who seek to serve God with
sincere hearts this is an anomaly that mustn’t take place. This departure from the norm that has been
established by our Lord will break down the very fiber of our faith and cause
us to be at each other’s throats over non-essential elements. I believe it comes in part from a
noncommittal attitude toward our walk with Christ. If we all took our walk as seriously as I
believe we are meant to, these breaches would be less frequent. There will be no place for such behavior in
heaven; therefore, we should be practicing godly behavior within the body
during our stay on earth.
The Lord is
mindful of all rifts and strife that exist in His church and is no doubt
displeased with its existence.
Forgiveness is available, but it must be sought and accepted with the
idea that the individual turn away from past behavior. We serve a merciful and loving God. Let us not trample His grace under foot with
ill-tempered words and/or actions. Until
Christ’s return, walk with the King and be a blessing!
