If there is one place more than another where we betray our unspirituality, it is in our inability to restore the overtaken. I solemnly believe the Lord has a controversy with us, not only for what we allow in others, but for what we allow in ourselves in our manner of handling issues in the assemblies and for the spirit and temper of our action towards those failing.
We might ponder with profit Psalm 103:8-148The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 14For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. (Psalm 103:8‑14). Do not yield an atom of truth. “Stand fast” and “hold fast,” but stand where His searching light shines on you even as on your brother and hold the truth, “as the truth is in Jesus” who was “meek and lowly in heart.” He was the great Peacemaker, and it cost Him most dearly. To us He says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” It may cost us something to make peace, but in it we are blessed.
How much we have missed just here. But “the peace of Christ” must preside in our hearts (Col. 3:1515And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (Colossians 3:15) JND) if it is to spread to others. “The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” Are you a peacemaker, or are you sowing discord? With Christ before our hearts, we shall feel that there is the same mercy for others that there is for ourselves. It should be written before our souls in letters bold and bright, “God . . . is rich in mercy.”
Had mercy not been shown us in lingering patience, as sinners or as saints, what would be our state? It should never degenerate so as to tolerate evil in ourselves or in others. For those who have been dealt with in faithful discipline, may we cultivate the spirit of “Since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still” (Jer. 31:2020Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 31:20)).
F. C. Blount