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Our topic was the Philippians. One of the men in this group of fifteen friends commented on ch. 4:1 where the apostle entreats Euovia and Syntyche "to agree in the Lord". In this wonderful fellowship in Philippi which thrilled the heart of the apostle, an admonition like that was still needed.
It was also needed in our harmonious fellowship in Clovis. The brother sitting next to the gentleman in question quietly said to him: "You have nourished a grudge against me for a long time, and I really don´t know why. If I´ve hurt you somehow I humbly ask for your forgiveness!"
It had been necessary to bring it to the fellowship as the blockage man to man was deadlocked. However, there was no real serious cause for his aversion against his brother, so now he was the one who asked for forgiveness! The two men now as true brothers gave each other "the right hand of fellowship" (Gal. 1:9) in the Spirit of love.
How wonderful! Our Lord was honored!
Imagine that we just went on, according to the program, week by week with our teaching, discussions, "edifying thoughts", small jokes, etc. while there would still be disharmonious "vibrations" among good brethren? "Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of the one mind", the apostle admonished. This is only possible if the mind of Christ prevails (Phil. 2:5), and our pride is dealt with.
The cause?
O, let that not happen in your nor my life!
Clovis, Ca., Jan. 19, 2011
-jn-
It´s heartbreaking to think of how grudges are often being nourished behind the pious facade of many good church goers.
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