DISUNITY HINDERS GRACE FOR PROSPERITY.
DISUNITY HINDERS GRACE FOR PROSPERITY
Rev.Michael Benson Ajayi
Mark 11:25-26 "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."
Forgiveness is a sine qua non for a healthy spiritual growth. Offerings (miracle seeds) are no substitute for forgiveness, it is for this reason that Jesus prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified him (luke 23:34) ;we are beneficiaries of God's grace by reason of Jesus' prayer. The martyr ,Stephen also did likewise ,Acts 7:60 says "And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep" unity and peace with God was of more value to him than ego and vengeance ;unlike the so- called 'dangerous prayers and fasting ' of hate and vengeance practiced today.
Our individual prosperity is connected to our collective prosperity, therefore ,aspiring to be the only successful member of a family or community is an exercise in futility ;Joseph could not attain his fullness as a leader in Egypt until he was reunited with his family (same betrayed him earlier). The Egyptians showed him more honor when he was with his family than when he was alone(Gen.46,Gen48) Dis- functionality in a family leads to identity crisis ,with young ones taken on names devoid of meaning ;reflective of a bruised and disconnected soul. The strength from the emotional support system derivable from a strong family bond cannot be overemphasized.It is behind most of the great success stories of our times.
It is for this reason that the genealogy of Jesus , was well documented (luke 3:23-38) as proof of God's desire to heal families : this is important in the building of strong nations : the Lord hates the sowing of the seed of discord among members of the same family (Proverbs.6:16,19)it gives room for demonic activities (James 3 :16) such families easily fall prey to false prophets .Disunity frustrates breakthroughs (Matt. 12:25) leads to cultism and idolatry (1cor.3:3,4)
Disunity in families and communities is the result of not being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading (1Cor.3:3,Gal.5:19-21) hatred for family members (Proverbs.10:12) pride and lust of life (pro13:10,James 4:1-3) considering oneself as more important than others and playing favoritism (Acts6:1) Other causes of disunity includes, repeating past painful events (prov. 17:9) gossips ( prov.26:20) arguing over inconsequential matters ( 1tim.6:3-5) self exaltation and desire for prominence (3john 9-11) envying ( Rom. 13:13) transferred aggression and bitterness from a failed project( Hebrews.12:15,prov.29:22,15:18) and a desire to always argue about everything (prov.20:3)
When we view issues from a singular perspective , strife and disunity seizes; the word of God should be the standard by which all decisions are made. Once there is a scriptural backing to any decision, we should set aside any contrary view and align with the scriptural viewpoint. This way, we would always be like-minded (1cor.1:10,Phil.2:2)
Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and no view therefore should be considered inconsequential in a conflict, the minority reports in any family or community forms the bases upon which holistic development can be attained . They are like the tributaries that make up a river therefore they shouldn't be neglected. The scriptures says in Romans 12:9-10 MSG "Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle." Everybody has something meaningful to offer in a family or community ( Ephesians.4:16,1Cor12:25-26) .
The weak members of the family of community must be accorded more recognition and privileges (Rom14:1) with respect for the elderly ( 1tim 5:1) We should avoid offending each other (1cor.10:32,33) this is easily done when we have forgiven past offenses and reconciled (Matt. 5:23-24) and have taken control over anger, this puts us in a better condition to communicate rationally and in moderation (prov.14:29,15:18,James 1:19) .
Chronic cases of disunity may require the intervention from a mature spiritual guide (Acts15:2,7,12,Gal.6:1) and those guilty of causing strife reprimanded (1Thes.5:14 )and the unrepentant ones excommunicated (prov.22:10,Matt.18:15-17,1cor.5:11-13) but not be treated as enemies (2thes.3:14,15) and room be made to restore the repentant ones to the fellowship of the family of God’s people .
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive grace to break the circle of disunity in my family in Jesus name.
Prayer / counseling +2348098536911, +2348035536911 Email :Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Forgiveness is a sine qua non for a healthy spiritual growth. Offerings (miracle seeds) are no substitute for forgiveness, it is for this reason that Jesus prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified him (luke 23:34) ;we are beneficiaries of God's grace by reason of Jesus' prayer. The martyr ,Stephen also did likewise ,Acts 7:60 says "And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep" unity and peace with God was of more value to him than ego and vengeance ;unlike the so- called 'dangerous prayers and fasting ' of hate and vengeance practiced today.
Our individual prosperity is connected to our collective prosperity, therefore ,aspiring to be the only successful member of a family or community is an exercise in futility ;Joseph could not attain his fullness as a leader in Egypt until he was reunited with his family (same betrayed him earlier). The Egyptians showed him more honor when he was with his family than when he was alone(Gen.46,Gen48) Dis- functionality in a family leads to identity crisis ,with young ones taken on names devoid of meaning ;reflective of a bruised and disconnected soul. The strength from the emotional support system derivable from a strong family bond cannot be overemphasized.It is behind most of the great success stories of our times.
It is for this reason that the genealogy of Jesus , was well documented (luke 3:23-38) as proof of God's desire to heal families : this is important in the building of strong nations : the Lord hates the sowing of the seed of discord among members of the same family (Proverbs.6:16,19)it gives room for demonic activities (James 3 :16) such families easily fall prey to false prophets .Disunity frustrates breakthroughs (Matt. 12:25) leads to cultism and idolatry (1cor.3:3,4)
Disunity in families and communities is the result of not being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading (1Cor.3:3,Gal.5:19-21) hatred for family members (Proverbs.10:12) pride and lust of life (pro13:10,James 4:1-3) considering oneself as more important than others and playing favoritism (Acts6:1) Other causes of disunity includes, repeating past painful events (prov. 17:9) gossips ( prov.26:20) arguing over inconsequential matters ( 1tim.6:3-5) self exaltation and desire for prominence (3john 9-11) envying ( Rom. 13:13) transferred aggression and bitterness from a failed project( Hebrews.12:15,prov.29:22,15:18) and a desire to always argue about everything (prov.20:3)
When we view issues from a singular perspective , strife and disunity seizes; the word of God should be the standard by which all decisions are made. Once there is a scriptural backing to any decision, we should set aside any contrary view and align with the scriptural viewpoint. This way, we would always be like-minded (1cor.1:10,Phil.2:2)
Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and no view therefore should be considered inconsequential in a conflict, the minority reports in any family or community forms the bases upon which holistic development can be attained . They are like the tributaries that make up a river therefore they shouldn't be neglected. The scriptures says in Romans 12:9-10 MSG "Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle." Everybody has something meaningful to offer in a family or community ( Ephesians.4:16,1Cor12:25-26) .
The weak members of the family of community must be accorded more recognition and privileges (Rom14:1) with respect for the elderly ( 1tim 5:1) We should avoid offending each other (1cor.10:32,33) this is easily done when we have forgiven past offenses and reconciled (Matt. 5:23-24) and have taken control over anger, this puts us in a better condition to communicate rationally and in moderation (prov.14:29,15:18,James 1:19) .
Chronic cases of disunity may require the intervention from a mature spiritual guide (Acts15:2,7,12,Gal.6:1) and those guilty of causing strife reprimanded (1Thes.5:14 )and the unrepentant ones excommunicated (prov.22:10,Matt.18:15-17,1cor.5:11-13) but not be treated as enemies (2thes.3:14,15) and room be made to restore the repentant ones to the fellowship of the family of God’s people .
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive grace to break the circle of disunity in my family in Jesus name.
Prayer / counseling +2348098536911, +2348035536911 Email :Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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