Six things ADONAI hates, yes, seven are abominations to Him . . . a false witness who spouts lies, and one who stirs up strife among brothers. Proverbs 6:16,19, TLV
By Blood or By-His-Blood, We are Family. Don’t mess with my family. We may be dysfunctional as two flat tires, but it’s my family. Interestingly enough, our Heavenly Father feels that way about His family — us. Whether strife is caused by outsiders to the family, or within, our Abba does not like it. He hates it. He considers that behavior an abomination right up there with shedding innocent blood.
Those are strong words.
Having Said That …
Now, having said that, this doesn’t preclude calling out a sin and subsequent discipline when a family member is headed down a wrong and/or dangerous path.
Which brings us to the recent revelations of Christian leaders admitting to sexual sins—some abominable.
It’s important to find that fine line between acknowledging the truth
and sin and speaking hope for repentance and rebuilding for the future—for both the victim and the perpetrator. I have known leaders who sinned and were disciplined but were also provided counseling to find a way forward.
In my opinion, however, perpetrators of sexual sins should not resume any type of shepherd-type positions or leadership. And in good faith, there should be counseling for the victims.
The next time we want to talk negatively (outside of counseling) about a family member — whether blood relative or by-His-blood relative — remember this passage.
Think More About It
Restoration and salvation are not synonymous. Someone can have a sinful past but change and have a powerful testimony after salvation with a powerful ministry. How do you feel about this subject?
Until tomorrow, may we work toward unity in our family, my friends.
For then I will restore to the people pure speech, so that all of them may call upon the Name of ADONAI [the LORD] and serve Him shoulder to shoulder. Zephaniah 3:9, TLV
Let’s pray today that our LORD will restore to the people of Israel pure speech. That they would call upon Him and serve in unity. God bless you!
