My child, there are times when your brother in Christ throws stones, like an enemy rising against you. But when this happens, use it as an opportunity to operate in the spirit of mercy because you have received my mercy for your sins.
Resist the urge throw stones at each other. Your brothers and sisters in Christ aren’t your enemies, the snake is your enemy, and he is a liar. So focus your attacks on him, but don’t judge or crush your brother or sister. Refuse to take the bait of anger. Don’t wound one another or focus on their flaws, but be aware of which spirit you are operating in. When you find yourself throwing stones – knowing or unknowingly, stop and realize my mercy is enough. My grace is sufficient. My love is enough.
I don’t see you the way others do. I see you as forgiven. I see you clothed in my righteousness. Choose the spirit of mercy or the spirit hatred and discord will injure and destroy your brothers and sisters in Christ, and you are called to be one in me. You are the body of Christ. When conflict arises, or trouble comes, cling fast to this truth.
Hide my mercy in your heart, and don’t sin against me. You all fall short of my glory, yet it’s vital to still seek to love one another unconditionally. Pray for one another, and forgive one another. Resist the urge to crush and hurt one another. Realize it’s damaging my body and hurts me.
Any time you say hurtful words, they kill, destroy, and wound my body, so choose to love one another. Encourage your brother when he is afflicted and broken. Keep my body whole and healed. Refuse to allow the enemy access. Love and protect one another. Learn to receive my love daily, for love covers a multitude of sins.
Matthew 6:14 (NIV) For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Isaiah 30:18 (NIV) Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV) Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Proverbs 28:13 (NIV) Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
by Sara Trog