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.

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”

True security comes when God is the center of all that we think or do. The Psalmist knows that circumstances shift and people can come and go, yet it is God who keeps us safe in the midst of change. This could explain why God portrays Himself as jealous for us, for He is the only One who is the same yesterday, today and forever. Those who embrace this find a place of shelter from the storms of life.

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Paul does not leave it up to us to define what living a life of love is. We may try to define it as having strong feelings for someone, or displaying passionate enthusiasm like we do at sports events, but Paul has a different standard. Love is based upon how Christ has loved us. Jesus Christ laid down His life so we could live for God, now we are called to lay our lives down for others. This is what it means to be an imitator of God.

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

It is unnerving when we understand that the sinner that James is referring to is a believer. It seems that to passively watch while other members of the household of faith drift from the gospel is not acceptable. We are called to engage with others in such a way that we are willing to leave the ninety nine to go after the one who strays, for God rejoices when his sheep are brought back.