Peace in the Body of Christ

 

Peace in the Body of Christ

Titus 3:9-10 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once; and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. (NIV)

               The body of Christ is to be the light for the world to see amidst darkness. Unfortunately, there are many within the body of Christ who are in constant conflict and chaos. It’s not that they are in conflict with the world, as it wouldn’t be surprising if they were, but the conflict exists within the members themselves. There is arguing, feuding, politicking for positions, and all other sorts a mayhem taking place in the Lord’s House. Many may wonder, “Why is it that more souls are not coming to Christ?” Could it be that the lost is seeing that the church is acting no better than they are? Ephesians 4:29-32 ⁽²⁹⁾Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ⁽³⁰⁾And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ⁽³¹⁾Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ^(32)-Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV) Many souls have left the body of Christ due to gossip, slander, and a spirit of jealousy. This has made many experience “church hurt” and some have vowed never to step foot into a house of worship again.

 

 

               However, the Bible has given us guidelines to follow in order to deal with differences with our fellow brothers and sisters. Matthew 18:15-18 ⁽¹⁵⁾”If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. ⁽¹⁶⁾But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ ⁽¹⁷⁾If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen to them, treat him as you would a pagan or tax collector. ⁽¹⁸⁾ “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (NIV) God ordained a method of reconciliation with a person with whom may have a grievance against you. If we follow the guidelines set forth in the Word of God, we can be sure to have more peace in our relationships with each other, being members within the Body of Christ, as well as those outside of the fold.

               Many people of faith have fallen out with regards to doctrinal differences as well. Some of the bloodiest battles in history have been over religion. Nevertheless, there are some issues that the Bible clearly states is right and wrong, and others where God’s guidance individually is warranted. Romans 14:1-3 ⁽¹⁾Accept him whose faith is weak without passing judgment on disputable matters. ⁽²⁾One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. ⁽³⁾The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does for God accepted him. (NIV) The text lets us know that we are not to judge others on issues of conscious. This is not to excuse SIN.  However, there are commands in the Bible that God has said is an absolute transgression against Him, while there others that are to be personalized as God leads YOU. Galatians 5:19-21 ⁽¹⁹⁾The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; ⁽²⁰⁾idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions factions ⁽²¹⁾and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (NIV)

 

               Instead of division and quarrels with our brothers and sisters, we are to be in peace with all people because God is not the author of confusion. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace….(NIV) The devil is the one who likes to stir up dissent and conflict in the world, but God is the giver of peace and this is why He is called Jehovah Shalom, Lord our Peace. The Apostle Paul made an appeal to the church in his day to stop the quarreling with regards to whom they followed, but to be united as one in Christ.  1 Corinthians 1:10-13 ⁽¹⁰⁾I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. ⁽¹¹⁾My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. ⁽¹²⁾What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” ⁽¹³⁾Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? were you baptized into the name of Paul? (NIV) We serve one God and that is Jehovah Shalom who reigns above. In order to worship Jehovah Shalom in spirit and in truth as He requires that we love our fellow brothers and sisters. John 4:23-24 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. (NIV)

 

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