Monday, March 2, 2009

Unity of Purpose

It is not an enemy who taunts me—I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God. ~~Psalm 55:12-14 NLT

Believers in the body of Christ hurt one another more easily than those who are not. I’ve been through such deep hurts within my own church family in the past several years. Yes, I have seen talking, gossiping and back stabbing within the walls of a church. I’m even guilty of being part in it. By God’s grace, I’ve learned what not to do and what to do. When these hurts occur, how are we to respond?

Moses set a great example for us to follow recorded in Numbers 12. Aaron and Miriam were grumbling against him inside the Tabernacle, the house of God. The Lord called them outside to chastise them. The Lord knows all that goes on in our lives. He knows the intent of our hearts. When Moses saw the Lord punish Miriam, he cried out, “O God, I beg you, please heal her!”

Is our first response to cry out to the Lord when someone speaks out against us? Or do we run around spreading the hurt?

We must remember that we’ve all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) We should walk in love and grace with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Moses did. He interceded and Miriam’s health was restored after seven days. She returned to the camp restored and part of the fellowship.

Let’s us intercede and forgive one another. Then we can walk in unity of purpose within the body of Christ.

Engrafted by His Grace--

6 gracious comments:

Lighthouse Prayer Line said...

Amen sister!

If you get the opportunity, please say a prayer for the requests on the main page of our site.

God bless you,

Mark Seay
www.LighthousePrayerLine.org

ps - feel free to follow our blog or grab a free button if you feel led to do so. :)

Leigh Anne said...

Nothing hurts more than the hurt from a fellow Chritian. We must unite and strengthen each other.
Blessings

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

What a good word today....



Teresa

Lisa Smith said...

What a beautiful picture the unity of Moses, Aaron and Miriam is. I just read that yesterday and thought the same thing. I love how God defends Moses...I love his example. If I am busy doing what God's called me to do, God defends me and I am able to truly love those around me, even those who intend to hurt me. beautiful.

marina said...

these is so true nothing else hurts more than the church speaking for you thanks for showing us these example.
marina

Kathy Schwanke said...

70 times 7...we all need so much grace from one another. Amen, dear encouraging sister!

May the Lord help me to be gracious when the iron is sharpening me...that is where it is impossible for me, I must rely on Him to say "forgive her Father, for she knows not what she does." Thank you~ I needed this today, on the heels of accusation against me...and an apology rejected. I could use prayer.