Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. Luke 12:51
Did Jesus just tell us that He came to divide us? As a matter of fact, He did. I don’t believe that was God’s intention, but He certainly knew what the effect would be. Jesus told us that some would willingly choose not to accept God’s love and forgiveness.
While He was with us, people had strong feelings about Him – one way or another. Jesus knew His presence and His call on people’s lives would stir up emotions as some chose to follow Him and others firmly turned away. He certainly didn’t want to divide us, but He knew that we would divide ourselves by our own choice.
How sad that we did this to ourselves and continue to do so today, especially within the body of Christ. Paul wrote to the Corinthians “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Even when we are divided over issues, it is essential that we agree to treat each other as brothers and sisters in Christ and share God’s love.
Loving Lord, help us to see each other as You see us and not as adversaries to be challenged and defeated. Let Your love cover us and bring us home as Your children. Amen.