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Sharing without Dividing

But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. — 2 Timothy 2:23 (NKJV) — Beliefs about God are personal but not private. Christians are to share what we believe with nonbelievers and to talk about our faith with other believers. Yet talking about religion is notoriously divisive, so how do we share our convictions without causing unnecessary conflict? The Puritan pastor and peacemaker...

The Love of the Brethren

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. — 1 John 3:14 (NKJV) — The assurance of our salvation is a precious gift from the Lord, to know that we truly belong to Him. Evidence of love for our brothers and sisters in Christ is one of these assurances. A sincere, spiritual love for one another affirms our profession...

Pride Brings Strife

By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom. — Proverbs 13:10 (NKJV) — Perhaps the single greatest cause of strife in the body of Christ is pride. Not only does pride repel people and create division in our relationships, but it gives birth to countless other sins that also create division. Pride moves us to say hurtful things. Pride hardens our hearts...

Think Before You Speak

He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. — Proverbs 17:27 (NKJV) — Today we can instantly inform the world about whatever we happen to be thinking. But the Puritan pastor Jeremiah Burroughs wisely offers three cautions why hastily sharing our opinions can cause unnecessary conflict and division between believers. Other people may misunderstand our thoughts and motives and...

Grown Through Trials

Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. — James 1:2-4 (NKJV) — In his letter to a suffering saint, John Newton conveyed a precious truth of Scripture that few of us come to fully appreciate in this lifetime....