7 is the Kicker

When we think of sin, things such as murder, pride, and even lying are conceivable. And so starts a saying in the Bible's Old Testament book of Proverbs, the sixth chapter, starting in 16:
'
There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies. . .'

Now the Proverb describes these things as something God hates and you can see why. God hates these things because they are not things that he exhibits: he does not lie, he is not unjust, he cannot be proud or boastful or haughty, and he is not wicked. God hates these things in man because man was to reflect his image and his character and these attributes and activities are the opposite of him.

But we know this, right? We know it is ultimately not good to be arrogant and thinking you're better than everyone else. We know it is bad to bring about injustice because of your testimony; we know it is bad and wrong and evil to be quick to kill and destroy or ruin instead of having patience and compassion. But do we know that God hates discord among brothers?

The end of verse 19 goes like this, ' . . . and one who sows discord among brothers.'Discord? Discord. God is much more concerned with the way we interact with one another than we often think. Jesus prayed one time that his followers would be unified in loving one another and that very solidarity would be a symbol to the world that they followed Jesus.

Discord is an evil and wicked thing, something the Lord, the God of the universe and our souls makes clear that he hates. Have you been one who sows the seed of discord? Have you been one who would rather schism than reconciliation? Remember what Jesus said in his first sermon, 'happy are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.'

Jesus, for those who follow him, is our older brother. And for the Christian, the follower of Jesus, every other follower of Jesus is our brother or sister. Friend, if you are one who who thinks arrogance or shedding innocent blood is worse than sowing discord, take heed what God has said.