Did
you know that as Christians we are commanded to promote harmony? Listed below
are ten simple ways to we can do so:
1. Remember
we are all subject to failings of one kind or another.
“For all
have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Romans 3:23
2. Bear
with-not magnify-each other’s infirmities.
“Brethren, if a man be
overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit
of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one
another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ”
Galatians
6:1-2
3. Pray
for one another in our meetings together and especially in private.
“Confess your faults one
to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual
fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
James 5:16
4.
Avoid going from house to
house, for the purpose of bearing news and interfering with other people’s
business. (see #5)
5.
Always turn a deaf ear to
any slanderous report and to lay no charge against any person until well
founded.
“Against an elder receive
not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses..”
1 Timothy 5:19
6. If
a member be in fault, tell him of it in private.
“Moreover if thy brother
shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him
alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”
Matthew
18:15
7. If
a member has offended, consider how Godlike it is to forgive, and how unlike a
Christians it is to seek revenge.
“Recompense to no man
evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be
possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly
beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is
written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine
enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou
shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome
evil with good.”
Romans
12:17-21
8.
Remember that it is
always a tool of the devil to promote distance and animosities among members of
the church and we should therefore watch against everything that furthers this
end.
“And Jesus knew their
thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought
to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:”
Matthew
12:25
9.
Consider how much more
good we can do in the world at large, and in the church in particular, when we
are all united in love than we could do when acting alone, and indulging in a
contrary spirit.
“For we are
labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.”
1
Corinthians 3:9
10. Lastly,
express the teaching of the Scriptures, and the beautiful example of Christ, as
to these things.
“For I have
given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”
John 13:15