Principles for Preserving Love
Dec. 18, 2012
We are commanded to bear one another’s burdens that so we may fulfill the law of Christ (Gal 6:2). We shall undoubtedly be commended, for it is according to the good will of Christ [to] bear one another’s burdens. I am confident it is a burden to many a soul that they are not in all things like-minded with their brethren. Yea, it is not without some fear and trembling that in anything they disagree with so many worthy and gracious men who are otherwise minded. Oh, help to bear, or at least bear with, the burden. You cannot keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace unless you forbear one another in love, as appears most plainly by their connection—“forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:2-3). This endeavor for unity and peace will be lost unless God, Who bears with us, teaches us also to bear one with another. Take these reasons for forbearance:
First, you all pretend, yea, I hope, intend the same end.
You profess the same design--the advancement of the Gospel of peace and the peace of the Gospel. Should you not therefore in relation to this end rejoice that Christ is preached, though some should preach Him out of envy and to add to your bonds on purpose? It was Paul’s joy (Phi 1:15-18)…See that remarkable passage in which John says, “Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us” (Mar 9:38). Christians, is this not a man’s language? Forbid him! silence him! out with him! Down with him! Why so? Why, “because he follows not us.” But…Jesus said, “Forbid him not” (Mar 9:39). He gives two reasons for it. First, He said, “There is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.” Second, “For he that is not against us is on our part” (Mar 9:40). Christians, can he be against you who is for Christ? What if he follows you not? Notwithstanding, he carries on Christ’s end. Blessed God, forbid that we should forbid one another to do Thy work.
Second, you agree in the most and the best things.
Th
