“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: And their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” (Proverbs 18:19 KJV)
The wisdom here is to avoid offense against anyone, especially with brethren and kinship. Never allow the devil to erect concrete walls of contentions. We are cautioned to - “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3 NIV)
Since a close relationship is deep and precious, it is better to avoid such conflicts in the first place. However, if conflict does arise, we being in an emotional flesh walking in an emotional world, Lord Jesus gives this reboot protocol: “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24 ESV)
And, in Christ Jesus by faith, we have this reminder to hold on. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14 NIV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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