I wanted to kick him in the teeth. How dare he divide us, creating disunity and disharmony, ruining relationships left and right? The reasons were ridiculous, everything from the singing not being their style to the pastor not loving from the pulpit. Friends who were friends forever suddenly didn’t relate to one another at all, with one leaving this place for another, probably wrongfully thinking Jesus wasn’t capable of meeting them in this place any longer.

Sad, huh?

Very. What have we become as a body of believers when all we can see is someone else’s wrongs in front of us? When we do nothing wrong ourselves and everyone else is clearly to blame?

A friend told me last week how wicked she was, the most wicked of them all, and I thought she was wrong. She has the most beautiful, gracious, loving heart of anyone I know. It wasn’t until I walked away that I realized she recognized the magnitude of her own sins and has experienced the complete grace of God.

Who are we to excuse our own wickedness, the shameful thoughts we think are safe inside, and point fingers at everyone else? We are no better than anyone else.

That’s a hard truth. In all my endless failings, my silent sufferings, my wrongful thoughts, I am no better than anyone else.

We can only extend grace to others when we recognize our own sin and experience God’s grace for ourselves.

Why have we allowed Satan to divide us? Why is it so important to point out the wrong in everyone else? You say you feel condemned yet you run away when someone disagrees with you or hurts your feelings.

Romans 5:1 says, “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Read it again. Peace with God through Jesus Christ.

There is no condemnation in the peace of God. If you’re feeling condemned or unloved, it isn’t of God because He has already removed anything hindering total peace with Him. Condemnation only comes from the enemy and how shameful that we have allowed it in the church. Does it give you an excuse to bow out?

No.

When we recognize our identity in Christ, revel in His love for us, and experience His true peace, we can refuse and resist the enemy’s attacks.

What’s your prayer life like? Your true prayer life, when you’re on your knees crying out to the Lord –not just a quick prayer so you can check off your to-do list. What’s your heart like? Are you examining yourself as closely as you examine everyone else? I didn’t write this to lash out at anyone or cause undue pain but as a reminder we are all equals—there is no sliding scale at the cross where one sin is worse than another.

My heart is so burdened for believers and the lies we have come to believe. Where’s the true unity in the church of Christ? Why are we not working together to further God’s kingdom, instead fighting among each other over the most ridiculous things?

Focus on the Cross. Hubs always tells me, “Let it roll off you like a duck,” when I want to simmer against someone’s rude actions or words against me and he’s right. I just have to let it go. What justice is there in stewing over someone else? My friend recently said there’s love in forgiveness and she’s right. Let’s love one another and extend grace and forgiveness. Let’s reunite and kick Satan in the teeth together.

If you’re still harboring hurts from a wrong against you, just let it go. Don’t set yourself up for failures and more hurt by holding onto it. Just let it go and experience true peace today.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in my ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be ye of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15