SINS OF HOSTILITY

          It would be presumptuous to say that sins of hostility are more sinful than others:  sins of idolatry, impurity and intemperance.  On the other hand, it would likely be correct to say that this group of sins is especially troublesome.  The apostle Paul uses eight different words to describe sins that fall into this category:  enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions and envying (Gal.5:20-21).  These particular sins are exceptionally dangerous because they often “run together” (jealousy breeds envy which causes strife and dissension, which stirs up anger and gives rise to enmity).  Secondly, these sins of hostility are frequently cloaked in subtlety, allowing them to fly under the radar without setting  off alarms.  Unlike adultery or idolatry or drunkenness, these are sins that are more easily rationalized thereby loosening accountability and skirt--ing confrontation.  Yet it would be a costly mistake to underestimate the disruption and heartache brought on by these nefarious sins of hostility.

          If these sins are permitted to go unchecked, they will wreak havoc on the body of Christ.  In his book, Flesh And Spirit, William Barclay ex-pounds on the sin of STRIFE, stating emphatically:  No sin more commonly invades the church than this.  With keen vigilance we must make every effort to not let these sins of hostility take root within our church family.  While the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:22-23) must be proactively cultivated, the works of the flesh must be vigorously exterminated.  They cannot be met with a wink and a nod and must not be granted a dwelling place.

                                                                                                                                                                        Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ