The Word vs. Division

[sammiesosa]

John 2:7–11

Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Takeaway: If we do not love our brothers and sisters, we are operating in darkness. Love doesn't mean you agree or accept every thing about them. Forgiveness is crucial. Hate in our hearts truly keeps us from walking in God's purpose and keeps us blinded.

[calice]

Yes ! This has been a big issue for me in recent weeks due to some recent personal experiences. It is indeed crucial and essential to forgive, because the Lord asks it of us and for good reasons! If we do not forgive our neighbor, we leave ourselves open to the devil for example. However, forgiveness does not necessarily imply that there is reconciliation.