Mike Livingstone writes an excellent reminder about the petty things which can destroy Christian unity. I found number 4 particularly significant.
4. Refusing to forgive
Bitterness and resentment are poisons. Unforgiveness poisons the soul and it poisons the body of Christ.
The church is, by nature, a fellowship rooted in forgiveness. What does that mean, practically speaking? 17th-century Puritan Thomas Watson said forgiveness looks like this: you don’t seek revenge when someone offends you, you wish him well, you grieve at his calamities, you pray for him, you seek reconciliation, and show yourself willing to come to his aid. That’s what forgiveness looks like, and that’s what it takes to maintain unity.
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