“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19
A heart for God burns to love what God loves and hate what God hates. In Proverbs 6:16-19, Solomon gives us “The Top Six Things God Hates” list and then adds “The Top ONE Thing God Detests.” On the hate list (compliments of the Message): “eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, a mouth that lies under oath.” It’s safe to say these are six activities you might want to remove from your bucket list.
Then, there is that seventh action... “a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” Hmm. Isn’t that what brothers do? Fight? Agitate one another? Not if God has His way! In God’s eyes, “hate” is not even strong enough for this one. Various Bible versions translate God’s hatred for brotherly discord as “loathes,” “detests,” “abomination.” We get the picture! Dividing my brothers? Bad. Really bad. Off the charts bad.
Why? Why is spreading discord so evil? Because unity is so good. Throughout the scriptures, we see God’s passionate desire for unity…
“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
In John 17, Jesus announced our unity within the church family is priceless in our mission to convince the world of His true identity and of His endless love for them.
“May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:23
It seems to me our unity and love for one another is pretty important in God’s eternal plan. To oppose unity is to oppose God Himself. If that does not put the fear of God in you and me, then we are in more danger than we can possibly know.
Let’s live on the safe side. Encourage your brothers and sisters. Work to reconcile those who are estranged. Default and defer to unity.
“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14
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