by David Brenneman
Many do not realize how much it affects the body of Christ when professed Believer's attack other Believer's. In fact the Scriptures warn us against such frivolous acts.
While no Believer in Jesus Christ is going to get everything about his or her life right, we are repeatedly forewarned to not go there.
For beginners, for starters, this brings shame to the Name of Jesus.
We are told how to treat others within the Church. Of how Husbands are supposed to love their Wives as Christ loved the Church. We are told what to do if you're thinking of going up against another in Christ.
We are taught to prefer one another above ourselves.
What I can tell you with all certainty is that the one whom you attack will be defended by Christ Himself.
We do not know where others are in their walk with Jesus.
We don't know what's been happening in their lives.
We don't have all the details.
We display arrogant presumption by choosing to attack rather than to back up and seek understanding.
I also can provide a litany of evidence to support what happens when someone attacks another child of God. It never ends well.
Instead of attacking try understanding.
Instead of berating try empathy.
Instead of whatever it is you're doing try taking the road that Christ wants you to take.
I know of several people who are wrongfully attacking other Believer's. They are presumed guilty before they ever have the facts. To be honest they would actually find more compassion in a court of law.
What happens when Believer's attack other Believer's? Satan wins.
The body of Christ suffers.
Nobody knows the hearts of all involved except the Lord Jesus Christ.
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.”
Matthew 18:15.
“Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” Matthew 5:23-24.
“Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” Luke 17:3-4.
“Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud. You do this even to your brethren.” 1 Corinthians 6:7-8.
“Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22.
To the extent that grace, the unmerited undeserved favor of God rests upon us...so extend to others, especially to those of the household of God.
I too know what it's like to be completely misunderstood in a leadership position. My demeanor had to change with the demands of my position. It cost me several friends. To this day they won't forgive me. Yet I did nothing wrong but to follow the Word of God in the workplace. Let all that you do be done as unto the Lord.
Lastly how do you think it will fare for any who are Believer's who have caused dissension within the body of Christ when they stand before Jesus to give an account of their lives before Him?
How will any defend themselves while facing the Truth?
Be careful of the battles you choose to fight. You're either on God's side or you're on Satan's side. You are either furthering the Kingdom of God or you are hurting it.
When we pray Jesus said in no uncertain terms that we MUST forgive or we won't be forgiven.
My prayer concerning this subject is that those who read it would be sure they aren't attacking the body of Christ...the very thing that Satan is eager to do.
All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
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