"Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who loves not, knows not God, for God is Love.: -- I John 4:7-8

I have been through three Church "splits" in my lifetime. Trust me, one was more than enough, but sometimes things just happen, even in what we believe to be the closest and most loving of church families. There was hurt, anger, feelings of betrayal and loss of trust on all sides. From the oldest to the youngest members, there was not one left untouched, not one who was not forced to choose a path different from the one we began. To say "I'm the same as I always was" is denial; to say "It didn't affect me one way or the other" is simply not true. None of us came through unchanged. I hope most of us emerged from the struggle stronger and more assured in our faith than ever before; but sadly, some turned away in disillusionment, never to be recovered.

The worst fallout from any church battle seems to be from those who, for reasons only they can understand, cannot let go. Maybe the hurt was just too much; maybe their sense of having been betrayed or attacked has scarred them far too deeply. The fight rages on in them, resulting in everything from constant little digs at the reputations of others, to outright name-calling or threats; and, all the while claiming God backs them up, denouncing the faith, practices, and righteousness of other believers.

I have precious Christian brothers and sisters in church families to which I do not belong. I know -- I know -- that at any time I can call on them for prayer, and they will drop whatever they are doing and pray for my need. I know -- I know -- that at any time, I can walk up to any one of them and hug them just like I used to and still feel the love we have for each other. This is because we made the conscious decision to put our divisions behind us and let the Love of God reign in our hearts toward one another. There are many areas where we disagree; it happens in every family. I don't agree with everything my natural brothers and sisters do or think, but I love them with all my heart. It is same in the family of God. There will be unity and conflict, rejoicing and heartache. But to cast the love aside is to deny the very Grace of God that is the salvation of us all.

To all my brothers and sisters in the Lord, know that I love you very much. You are as precious to me now as you have ever been, and if you ever need me for anything, all you have to do is ask. It's time and past time to peel away the hurt, let the scars heal over, let His Grace heal the heart and mind, and His Love reign again.

"And this commandment we have from Him, that he who loves God loves his brother also." -- I John 4:21