16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

 

When the Old Testament presents a number plus one, the last point is usually what the other points are about. Someone who purposely misrepresents facts and a person who causes divisions among the community of faith are in dangerous territory, because covert actions within the church are never seen in a good light. It’s time for the church to keep these behaviors from flourishing. May we preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.