The devil’s plan for our differences
1. Organize us into tribes.
2. Withhold from us important information.
3. Warp our understanding of reality.
4. Convince us that members of the opposing tribe are evil and/or less than.
5. Persuade us to hate and devalue other human beings.
This is a pathway to hell.
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” 1 John 3:15
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” Matthew 5:22
God’s plan for our differences
1. Give us a new identity as children of God.
2. Grant us truth and peace as we’re ready to receive it.
3. Teach us to form relationships characterized by understanding, respect, trust, and love.
4. Teach us to listen to one another’s stories and perspectives.
5. Give us the humility to learn from one another without gullibility.
This is a pathway to wisdom.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:17-18
“[Love] does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:5
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19b-20
Dwight
