Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city.
Psalms 55:10, NLT
"I am so sorry I missed your birthday party." "What birthday party?"
It was an honest mistake when I found out I had given away the surprise birthday party of one of my dear friends. But the real surprise were the choice words I received from the person who planned the party; words that hurt me deeply because I thought she knew me well from our time together as members of the same church and that I would not intentionally sabotage my friend's birthday party.
External enemies were a constant threat to the city of Jerusalem. Guards patrolled day and night against any external invaders. Yet inside murder, robbery, violence and wickedness were rampart. While King David sought to protect his beloved city from outside invaders, he began to realize protection was also needed from the invaders within.
As Christians, we should protect ourselves from the attacks we receive from an evil world. But it is not just the outside enemies we must watch out for. Because the church is made up of imperfect people, we may say or do things that hurt each other. For example, anger, slander, backbiting and jealousy can invade our church and slowly destroy our fellowship.
What are we to do when these dangers invade our walls?
The apostle Paul charges us to be patient with each other when we make mistakes. Love each other unconditionally. Forgive when we fall short of each other's expectations. Restore unity when disharmony occurs and seek a peace that is beyond the world's understanding (Ephesians 4:2-3, NLT).
Patience. Love. Forgiveness. Unity. Peace. Five helpful ways to ensure we fight off the invaders not only from without, but within.
.
Sharing the Word,
Jeaninne
|