Please Lord, Guide Us

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1
Lately I have been researching a great deal of information concerning our church, such as scripture and history. I have talked to several dear brothers via Internet, phone, and in person. It is certainly a great blessing to all of us when we enjoy the fellowship of God's people not only at service, but also away from the church house during the week. It seems as if I cannot get enough of the good feeling I get when I take part in talking with a brother or sister about God and his Kingdom.

One thing in particular I hear from some of my brethren and sisters, is criticism towards others in the church. This criticism ranges from disagreements on scripture or practices, to arguments that have went on for ages, to merely disapproving on a particular style of preaching one Elder may have as compared to another. We know that those who partake in and teach things that are not scriptural should not be allowed to teach God's sheep. However, some (sometimes most) of the things that are disagreed upon, are things that are not worth the consequence of the complaining. It saddens me to see fellowship between two churches cease because of something that started as a small disagreement between two people. It literally puts a wedge between one brother and another. In addition to that, many of the things that are being discussed are merely hear say, and haven't been confirmed by a first person account. My friends, how human nature gets hold of us when we backbite against our brother.

First, let's refer to the 7th chapter of Matthew. "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thy own eye?" Do we spend more time examining other brethren, and pick apart their weaknesses instead of correcting the massive errors of our own ways? Do we forgive our brother, even as Christ has forgiven us?(Colossians 3:13) How can we hold a grudge over a small difference, when Christ forgave an undeserving people? I can only speak for myself, and I can say that I am guilty of this far too often, if not daily. What a shame I am.

We in the true church are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). When most of our thought is over differences and quarrels, its no wonder church doors are closing. God's church will be here on Earth, but if we do not appreciate it and act appropriately in it and to its members, it could be moved to a people who do. Its by the grace of God that we have it as a remnant of His ways in the first place.

I pray that we learn a lesson now, and bury old grudges. Let's forgive those who have wronged us, and pray those who we have wronged will do likewise. Let's visit and love those in the church, and live in harmony in His kingdom He built for us to reside in. I pray that I have offended no one, it's my nature as a man sometimes, please forgive me.