Spirit-Living Devotional
Apostle Osborn
BECOMING A UNITY-BOOSTER
[[Rom 16:17]] KJV Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Paul’s last words to the Roman brethren in his epistle are most striking: he cautions, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” He actually begged (besought) them to mark those that cause division among the brethren.
The book of Proverbs tells us about the six things the LORD hates. The writer further explained that the seventh is an abomination to the LORD. And that is sowing discord among the brethren. God rejects and abhors division among believers.
[[Pro 6:16, 19]] KJV These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
*…he that soweth discord among brethren.
Before Jesus would go to the cross, His final prayer for His disciples was “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” *(Joh 17:21). Four times in John chapter 17, Jesus repeatedly prayed for the togetherness of the brethren. This shows how concerned God is about division in the Body of Christ.
Unfortunately, many allow the devil to use them in these areas. They become agents of division among God’s people. They do this through back-biting, gossiping, fault finding, prejudices, bitterness, and envy. They open themselves and allow the works of the flesh to dominate and dictate life for them.
This is why Paul warns us in our opening text to mark and avoid those who foster division among the brethren. The reason is because such attitude is contagious. Two things to do: first, Look out for and mark those that delight in separating good and healthy relationships. The next thing is to avoid them. Don’t be found in their company. Refuse to be the reason why brethren will be divided. Be a unity booster! Become the answer to Jesus’ prayer for the brethren: that they all may be ONE! Glory to God!
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for your word that guides and builds my life. I receive the grace, humility, and wisdom to foster and protect the unity of the brethren, resisting the spirit of division in Jesus’ name. Thank you, Lord.
