12. Talk of separation brings evil fruits and opens doors to all forms of tempers
WESLEY:
And as such a separation is evil in itself, being a breach of brotherly love, so it brings forth evil fruit; it is naturally productive of the most mischievous consequences. It opens a door to all unkind tempers, both in ourselves and others. It leads directly to a whole train of evil surmising, to severe and uncharitable judging of each other. It gives occasion to offense, to anger and resentment, perhaps in ourselves as well as in our brethren; which, if not presently stopped, may issue in bitterness, malice, and settled hatred; creating a present hell wherever they are found, as a prelude to hell eternal.
PRAYER:
Isaiah 11:12-16 - And he’ll raise that rallying banner high, visible to all nations, gather in all the scattered exiles of Israel, pull in all the dispersed refugees of Judah from the four winds and the seven seas. … Blood brothers united”
The jealousy of Ephraim will dissolve,
the hostility of Judah will vanish—
Ephraim no longer the jealous rival of Judah,
Judah no longer the hostile rival of Ephraim!
Blood brothers united,
REFLECTION:
Wesley speaks to what “separation” leads too. Do not think that disaffiliation will bring peace and grace, Wesley is clear. One can not raise the banner of a united people having separation as their heritage. Pause! Really Pause! What if we stop all talk of separation? Really pause and let this sink in. I had to pause for a few days before writing this reflection. Only after we have released ALL talk of separation does grace and peace enter into our discernments. Discernment of all matters of importance with a threat of separation leads only to evil - regardless of the outcome. . We KNOW that in the canonization of the Word there were discussion , disagreements, discernment, and sharing of diverse viewpoints. All of this was a blessing and what it means that the Bible is the inspired Word of God’s Spirit. Seek clarity between separation and the diverse viewpoints we hold across our community. In that clarity, I pray we may all find the inspiration of God’s Spirit.
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