Recently, I stumbled across a devotional I’d written in 2015 on the pitfalls of a critical spirit. I couldn’t have rediscovered Sticks & Stones at a better time. Why do you ask? Well at that time, I’d become a bit vexed over some dialogue I’d witnessed between “the brethren” on mainstream media. I’m sure you’re curious to know what I’m referring to so here’s where it started:

LENT.

Several weeks ago a coworker expressed what she was “giving up for Lent.” I’d truly forgotten about this observance and only remembered the Easter holiday as it approached because people began to inquire about my plans.

HOLY WEEK.

After this, I invited someone to church and they responded they wouldn’t be engaging in any “Holy Week” events. After I asked why they confirmed my presumptions, acknowledging they wouldn’t be participating because according to the Jewish calendar it wasn’t technically Passover.

EASTER.

As Easter approached, a very supercilious and haughty attitude arose in some believers. On Easter Sunday, March 27th, the toxicity levels reached a boiling point, LEGALISM spewed from the mouths of some Christians against others who’d participated in Easter and Resurrection Day services.

I watched in disgust as discord was propagated in front of believers and probably more damaging the unbelievers we are expected to set an example for.

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Surprise, this post is not about Easter, Resurrection Day or Passover. It is about how we mercilessly kill each other with our words. 

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Autoimmune diseases like Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis, to name a few, occur when the body’s immune system attacks itself. Wow, it’s amazing how a body can wage war against its own members.

Equally as astonishing is how believers who are taught to selflessly esteem one another higher than oneself and taught we’re all one in Christ, uses words and scriptures to fight each other (Romans 12:10, Romans 12:4-5). ***I don’t condone launching verbal assaults against anyone but for the purpose of this writing I am talking about believers attacking other believers.***

I love the diversity found in creation, especially in people. We have these vastly complex minds that allow us to create various expressions, ideas, and thoughts. With this in mind, it’s  only natural that we won’t always agree.

In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul addresses disputes among believers. For hermeneutical integrity and in keeping with the context of the scripture I must disclose Paul is referring specifically to lawsuits. Essentially, he questions “the then church” on why they’d bring matters before unbelievers to judge and resolve?

This leads me to a question for “the now church”

Why does the household of faith war with one another? Why do we air our disputes before the world to judge when one day we’ll judge them? It’s okay, you can say ouch. (1 Corinthians 6:1-8)

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In Matthew 18, Jesus taught with the help of a little child. Why? Children are important to Him. Also, this demonstration highlighted the sincere, gentle, and humble quality they possess that we should seek to encompass.

Jesus taught the penalty for causing one of them to sin is equal to death (Matthew 18:6). Does this suggest we should only be sensitive to the spiritual welfare of children? No, it does not. The overarching theme of this message is this:

1. Don’t Cause Others to Sin
2. Don’t Demean Others
   

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(Please read Matthew 18:1-10)

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GOING FORWARD

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In the quake of various social media outlets anyone can access instant audiences, so use your platform and influence wisely. Consider the spiritual welfare of others in all your interactions and communications. Accept your social responsibility to release truth laced in love, so that it adds value to its listeners. Avoid arguing, this shows how unspiritual you are (1 Corinthians 3:3). Watch your words and watch how you treat others. Even if you’re having trouble recognizing the value in someone, remember we are all very precious to God and you will be held responsible for your words (Matthew 12:36-37). 

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PRAYER

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