relationships (Matthew 10:34-39) Dealing With Divisiveness

(Matthew 10:34-39)

34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to turn a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a person’s enemies will be the members of his household.

37 “The one who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and the one who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And the one who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 The one who has found his life will lose it, and the one who has lost his life on My account will find it.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

While there is nothing new under the sun, we are experiencing a lot of divisiveness in our world today.  And while social media can be used for good, like all things, it can be used for evil, so we need to be aware and cautious.  Obviously, not everything we see or hear is true.  Therefore, we should keep in mind a few things as we navigate this world and the relationships around us:

- those who hate God will hate His children

- there are religious and political factions who will convince people that Christians and Christianity is the enemy (there are even "Christian" churches that twist what the Bible says in order to convince people to hate true Bible believing Christians)

- therefore, as believers, the Lord God and His word needs to be first in our lives

- as we are in a relationship with God, we are to pray without ceasing (talk to Him about everything!!!)

- it is okay to have moments of doubt or weakness, just remember to continue seeking out the truth and trusting in the Lord

- the Lord God is truth, wisdom, peace, love, joy, and He is sovereign (omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent)

- avoid getting close to anything, anyone or any group that teaches people to fear and hate others, and to trust in them, in ourselves, or in other things

- avoid getting into debates and contentious arguments

- love and pray for those who hate us and hate God

- pray for God to give us the opportunities to share His love, peace, hope and joy, all with His love, wisdom and strength, and all to His glory!