For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. Gal. 5:14-15 NLT
Pastor Brenda here. Have you ever found yourself being critical of another believer? Maybe that goes without saying. We’ve all been there. But one thing about the enemy that we need to remember is that he will always try to get us to think that people are our enemies. Worse yet, he goes to great lengths to cause division among God’s people. He knows if we are divided, we cannot stand in unity against him and the powers of darkness (our true enemies). When the devil presents half-truths or highlights another believer’s weakness to you, what do you do? It’s vital that we know how to love in this hour and that we refuse to speak evil of our brothers and sisters.
Galatians 5:14-15 reminds us what Jesus taught about relationships – that we are always to love our neighbor as ourselves. When the verse talks about “biting and devouring”, it is referring to critical attitudes that can destroy unity among believers. It actually describes wild animals fighting to the death. What a horrible picture! Every family has its points of contention and disagreement, and the family of God is no different. But we are one body and when we are critical and judgmental, we literally can destroy each other. Think about that for a moment – it is a sobering thought!
When you have an issue with another believer, don’t fall into the trap of siding with the enemy against that person! Remember that love covers, and rather than voicing agreement with the enemy, choose to forgive. Don’t villainize that person. Speak words of life and healing! As we choose to love, we build the body of Christ, rather than destroying it.
We love you and we are praying for you.