Many divisions have and will occur between God's people. However, if we're responsible for causing them in any way, it's better for us to be drowned in the sea (Lk 17:2). God will not tolerate divisions or those who cause or further them. He must be extremely strict about this for the sake of His Body, the Church. For example, we would strongly resist if someone tried to cut off our arm or separate any part from the rest of our body. A word of division, scandal, or gossip is like a knife attempting to sever a part from our body. God will resist emphatically.
God is merciful, yet He also knows "how to continue the punishment of the wicked up to the day of judgment" (2 Pt 2:9). "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, and you are that temple" (1 Cor 3:17). If we do anything harmful to Christ's body and bride, the Church, Jesus, the Head and Bridegroom, will deal with us. "Make no mistake about it, no one makes a fool of God!" (Gal 6:7)
If we are used by the evil one to divide the Church, we must repent or come under the judgment of God. If we persist, He may throw us to the ground, strike us blind, and say, "Why do you persecute Me, My Body, My Bride?" (see Acts 9:4)
| PRAYER: | Father, may the fear of You as Lord be for me the beginning of wisdom (Ps 111:10). |
| PROMISE: | "In his teaching he must hold fast to the authentic message, so that he will be able both to encourage men to follow sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it." –Ti 1:9 |
| PRAISE: | Mother Cabrini's motto was: "I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me" (see Phil 4:13). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College