Here in southern Saskatchewan, it is my prayer we are still hanging onto those foundational truths that make for strong communities! Specifically, what I want to pour my heart out about today is the necessity of being there for your neighbour.
I’m sure you’ve seen it... there is a diabolical attempt from the evil one, the pit of hell, Satan or however else you’d like it put, to divide us. From the beginning of time, the enemy of our souls has sought to divide husband and wife, brother against brother, neighbour pitted against neighbour and more. Satan is a deceiver. He is a liar. He tries all kinds of approaches and “new” tricks of the trade to slide his divisiveness in.
I’ve seen an increasingly alarming trend to become offended, to turn on people, to be quick to judge or gossip about others. The Word of God says: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
God did not create us to be an island. He did not create us to be alone. He has created us to have fellowship, to build relationships, supporting each other, helping each other; celebrating together, grieving together. Anything that would challenge that goes against the purest form of humanity that we have.
Relationships. They are essential. “And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. And let us not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24,25
In this very challenging time, we have to be purposeful to be a blessing to our neighbours and loved ones. Renewing our mind to The Word of God is imperative; we must not get caught in the narrative that is swirling around us. Let’s keep our hearts in check. Do we put our needs before someone else’s? Do we get offended easily? Jealous? Are we accusatory? Spreading gossip or a false witness? We need to turn away from the lawless deeds of darkness.
If we partner with any of these symptoms, we build a stronger demonic stronghold in the spiritual atmosphere. Let’s push back the darkness and allow the fruit of the Spirit to flow.
Let’s pray: Father God, in this very challenging time when we are being controlled from having the freedom to worship, gather, and recreate and more, give us insight into how to build relationships with those around us. We partner with You! We declare The Blessing of the Lord over our neighbours. We pray for peace in our communities. We release hope into the atmosphere. We release the Love of Jesus to spread and fill in the places of deep need. Amen! Let’s get creative to prevent further divisiveness in our communities and instead spread hope, love and peace to our world around us!
“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-39
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
