THE GRAVEST SIN

“THE SIN THAT GOD SAYS HE HATES THE MOST”

Proverbs 6:16–19

Many of us assume the worst sins are the obvious ones—murder, adultery, or stealing. Those are indeed serious sins. But when the Bible lists the things the Lord hates, the answer surprises many of us.

Proverbs 6:16, 18-19 NASB1995
[16] There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
[18] A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, [19] A false witness who utters lies, And ONE WHO SPREADS STRIFE AMONG BROTHERS.

Notice something striking.
The Final Sin Listed—the CLIMAX of the passage—IS SOWING DISCORD or STRIFE AMONG BRETHREN.

This means CREATING DIVISION, STIRRING CONFLICT, SPREADING RUMORS, MANIPULATING PEOPLE AGAINST EACH OTHER, or DELIBERATELY BREAKING THE UNITY OF GOD’S PEOPLE.

GOD HATES DIVISION AMONG HIS PEOPLE because:
• It DESTROYS FELLOWSHIP.
• It WEAKENS the TESTIMONY of believers.
• It TEARS APART WHAT GOD INTENDS TO BUILD.

PRIDE may start the problem.
LIES may fuel it.
But DIVISION IS THE DESTRUCTIVE RESULT.

In many churches, workplaces, families, and communities, WE OVERLOOK GOSSIP, SUBTLE MANIPULATION, and QUIET HOSTILITY. YET ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURE, GOD CONSIDERS THIS AN ABOMINATION.

Jesus prayed that His followers would be one. WHEN BELIEVERS TEAR EACH OTHER APART, IT WORKS AGAINST THE VERY HEART OF GOD.

Before speaking about someone, repeating a story, or taking sides in conflict, we should ask: “AM I BRINGING PEACE OR SOWING DISCORD?”

Matthew 5:9 NASB1995
[9] “BLESSED are the PEACEMAKERS, for THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF GOD.

GOD BLESSES PEACEMAKERS FOR THEY ARE HIS SONS, but HE STRONGLY WARNS THOSE WHO DIVIDE HIS PEOPLE.

CHOOSE UNITY. CHOOSE TRUTH. CHOOSE PEACE. IT DEPENDS ON US!