Love is not divided. It’s single in focus, and is a respecter of none. Why then, is there division in churches and families? Some would say it’s the devil. He’s the one who caused it. To be sure he does seek to divide, but he only has as much power to do that as we allow him to have. He is crafty, and a major way he tricks people into building barriers is getting them to believe there are sides in which to be on.
Because people have varying points of view, discussions sometimes turn into debates which become feuds, which lead to division. Even friendly discussions about the Bible have turned into heated debates. Obviously, pride is often involved in such moments; however, there’s a bigger issue. People have taken their eyes off the Lord, and removed themselves from love.
- Instead of being on the One true side that counts, they’ve created two unworthy sides.
As long as love is missing, both sides are wrong. It doesn’t really matter if one is “theologically correct” if there’s no love. In fact, apart from love, it is very much incorrect.
Joshua 5:13-15 Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” 14. He said, “No; rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the LORD.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, “What has my lord to say to his servant?” 15. The captain of the LORD’S host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
Here’s a take away from Joshua: the captain of the host was only concerned about God. It wasn’t a question of who was on Joshua’s side; rather, who was on God’s side. If the people of Jericho were in the Lord’s camp, there would have been no fight between them and the Israelites. Has it occurred to you that by being strictly concerned with God’s point of view, you could be heading off a possible fight? God’s point of view is entrenched in love, and love is more concerned about benefitting someone else than being “right.” One’s “rightness” can be a stumbling block to another if it’s not presented in love. Consider this: God is always right; yet, He doesn’t insist on people accepting His perspective. This way, they can freely receive His truth without coercion.
- If God is not in the center of your theology, you will wind up with false doctrine!
Regardless of where we interact with others, by keeping with God’s agenda, much division can be headed off. Granted, not everyone will embrace this concept; however, Scripture clearly says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18). Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. How many family fights would come to an end if everyone involved went to the Father?
If you’re asked to mediate a disagreement, do not be tricked into choosing sides. While it may seem you are siding with one over another when you come with the wisdom of God, you’ll have the correct solution. As you mediate in love, you will be more apt to be successful in resolving a conflict. “Whose side are you on, anyway?” “I’m on God’s side, what about you?” Your primary concern when mediating is getting both sides to love well. Apart from love, it’s futile. That means if you’re not walking in love, steer clear. Only yielded vessels can effectively mediate and thereby, tear down barriers.
