I had a dream last night that I was watching Nik Wallenda cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope. I started having dreams last year, and God has been talking to me through them. (Our first, constant, and consistent voice from God needs to be His written Word, for it is by His Word that the veracity of all other communication – including the more traditional preaching and teaching – is confirmed.)
As I was wondering what this one could mean, I realized that when there is a gulf between two people, two families, or two human endeavors, the distance can be traversed … but care is required in traversing it.
But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to declare My statutes, or take My covenant in your mouth, seeing you hate instruction and cast My words behind you? … You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son.” Psa 50:16-17, 20
A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle. Pro 18:19
Then the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion, everyone to his brother. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother.’” Zec 7:8-10
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Mat 5:21-24
No one has a perfect family, and mistakes are going to be made, because families are made up of humans, and humans make mistakes. When someone blows it, do not talk about it or them to anyone else. Maybe you can talk about it without crossing that line into bearing false witness, gossip, or slander, but I do not have that much confidence in myself. God considers our false judgments about our brothers, wickedness!
Forgive. Let go of offtenses. Extend grace. Humble yourself and follow the example of Jesus. Be the first one to say, “I’m sorry.” Unity, peace, and harmony is more important than self- righteousness. Have a beautiful day! ♥
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