Brothers Fighting Brothers
When Saul and his sons were killed in battle, it was a sad day. David went to Hebron at God's direction. He was made king by the tribe of Judah. Saul's son, Ish-Bosheth, was crowned the king of the northern tribes. A civil war broke out over who would rule the whole country. Joab led David's men, and Abner tried to help Ish-Bosheth. When they met in battle, the forces of David won a great victory, and men on both sides died. The men of Judah chased their brothers from the northern tribes, until Abner called for a cease fire. He knew that this would only bring bitterness and that it was wrong for brothers to be chasing brothers. (II Samuel 1:26) This is a valuable lesson for all of us.
We ought to feel a common bond between all of us as Americans. Sadly, people have taken sides, and all we hear is fighting. One side attacking the other. How dumb is that? It is much worse when we hear of brothers and sisters in the church family fighting each other. We are to be one in Christ. We are to exhibit the love of Christ for each other and everyone around us. We must not let this conflict develop, because it only leads to bitterness. Bitterness cripples our relationships. It does not hurt the people we are against. It hurts us. Therefore, we must confess any bitterness and repent of it. We must forgive others and love them instead. If we disagree on certain things, we need to do it without being disagreeable. We should never hear of these conflicts in the church, or in our country, for that matter. If we would do this, it would be a great testimony to the people around us.
As for me, I am so thankful to be the pastor of a church where we do not have this conflict and bitterness. It is such a blessing and such an honor to be their pastor. We are not perfect, but it is great to see brothers and sisters live together in the unity of Christian love. Praise the Lord!
#NHBaptistdotorg
Tomorrow, i intend to read II Samuel 4-6.
We ought to feel a common bond between all of us as Americans. Sadly, people have taken sides, and all we hear is fighting. One side attacking the other. How dumb is that? It is much worse when we hear of brothers and sisters in the church family fighting each other. We are to be one in Christ. We are to exhibit the love of Christ for each other and everyone around us. We must not let this conflict develop, because it only leads to bitterness. Bitterness cripples our relationships. It does not hurt the people we are against. It hurts us. Therefore, we must confess any bitterness and repent of it. We must forgive others and love them instead. If we disagree on certain things, we need to do it without being disagreeable. We should never hear of these conflicts in the church, or in our country, for that matter. If we would do this, it would be a great testimony to the people around us.
As for me, I am so thankful to be the pastor of a church where we do not have this conflict and bitterness. It is such a blessing and such an honor to be their pastor. We are not perfect, but it is great to see brothers and sisters live together in the unity of Christian love. Praise the Lord!
#NHBaptistdotorg
Tomorrow, i intend to read II Samuel 4-6.