In Proverbs 6, verses 16 through 19, the Lord describes seven things that He hates. Hate is a strong word. It means: “extreme dislike or disgust, antipathy, loathing”. Well, God says He hates…..are you ready for this one……He hates those that sow discord among the brethren (v. 19). This is really serious. There are many in churches today that have no thought about speaking terrible things about their brothers or sisters in Christ, and have no problem sharing gossip that can destroy their brethren. This will incur judgment from God. If we see this behavior anywhere, we really need to share Proverbs 6 with them. They probably are not even aware that this is a great sin. Paul said this to the brethren in Corinth: Now, dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose (1 Cor 1:10 NLT). In John 17, Jesus prayed that we would be one with each other. Psalms 133: 1 says “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Verse 3 says: “For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore”. One behavior brings sin and judgement. The other releases life. I believe that we really need to stay away from sowing discord, and embrace unity among the brethren!
He prayed that we would be one!
The Lord Jesus prayed for us all in John 17. He prayed for divine protection, wisdom and that we would be one. In verses 20 and 21, He reveals that He is not only praying for the original disciples who were with Him in His earthly ministry, He is also praying for all those who would ever come to believe in Him through the Apostle’s word and teaching. That means He is also praying for us! Not only that, He is praying that we would all be one, just as He and the Father are one. We have the most powerful advocate praying for us. Romans 8:34 says: “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us”. Know today that you are not alone in your walk of faith. God is with you, and the Lord Jesus is interceding on your behalf. He has also sent His Spirit to help you daily, and dispatches His angels to guard you. Rejoice, He never leaves nor forsakes us!
John 17: 20,21 (AMPC) “Neither for these alone do I pray [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for all those who will ever come to believe in (trust in, cling to, rely on) Me through their word and teaching, That they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me.
