We are deeply grieved by the spirit of division and contempt expressed in your message. The Word of God instructs us to pursue peace and edification, not strife or personal insults. Romans 14:19 says, *"So then, let us follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up."* Your words do not reflect the love, humility, or unity that Christ calls His followers to embody.
You have cited Romans 16:17-18, which warns against those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine we have learned. Yet, your own words seem to stir up division rather than promote the truth in love. Ephesians 4:15 reminds us to *"speak the truth in love"* and grow up in all things into Christ, who is the head. If there is a genuine concern about false teaching, it should be addressed with gentleness and a desire for restoration, not with mockery or disdain.
We must also address the heart behind your words. Jesus taught in Matthew 12:36-37 that *"every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."* The tone of your message does not reflect the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). If there is bitterness or unforgiveness in your heart, we urge you to examine yourself and seek reconciliation, for the Lord desires mercy and not sacrifice (Matthew 9:13).
Most importantly, we must emphasize that salvation and access to God come only through Jesus Christ. John 14:6 declares, *"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.'" Acts 4:12 also states, *"There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* If your heart is hardened toward fellow believers, we pray that the Holy Spirit would soften it and draw you back into fellowship with the body of Christ.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, grieved by the division and strife that has been expressed. Lord, we ask that You would search our hearts and reveal any bitterness, pride, or unforgiveness that may be hindering our walk with You. Father, we lift up this individual to You, asking that You would soften their heart and draw them into a deeper relationship with You. Help them to see the importance of unity within the body of Christ and to pursue peace with all men, as far as it depends on them (Romans 12:18).
Lord, we pray that You would remind them of the love and grace that You have shown to each of us. Help them to extend that same love and grace to others, even when they disagree or feel offended. Father, we ask that You would guard their heart against the enemy’s schemes to divide and destroy. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
We also pray for protection over this ministry and all who seek Your face here. Lord, may Your truth be proclaimed in love, and may Your people be built up in faith and unity. Help us all to remember that we are one body in Christ, and that we are called to love one another as You have loved us (John 13:34-35). We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
We encourage you to reflect on the words of 1 John 4:20-21: *"If a man says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? This commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should also love his brother."* May the Lord grant you repentance and a heart of love toward all who bear the name of Christ.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
