The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” — Genesis 4:6-7 (NKJV) — Though Cain […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. — John 10:16 (NKJV) — Christians are united to one another because of their common unity with the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. We are […]

From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. — Ephesians 4:16 (NKJV) — I know some brothers who would make splendid people if everyone else […]

Among the divisions of Reuben there were great resolves of heart … Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan, and why did Dan remain on ships? Asher continued at the seashore, and stayed by his inlets. — Judges 5:15–17 (NKJV) — When the Lord called His people to fight against the king of Canaan, several tribes refused […]

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. — 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 […]