Was the conflict between Ahab and Micaiah personal? Ahab certainly thought so. “I hate him, he does not prophesy good concerning me”, he said with a pout in 1 Kings 22:8. It never occurs to him that there may be another explanation for Micaiah’s words than personal animosity. Do we ever make the same mistake? Do we ever allow a disagreement (that’s all it is–a disagreement re. what God is saying) to become a personal insult? When Jesus taught us to love our enemies, He was separating opposition/conflict from resentment/hatred. It is an important lesson of life in the church. . .we can love people with whom we disagree. IF WE WANT TO FOLLOW CHRIST, WE MUST! Today as you pray the Lord’s prayer, pay particular attention to the words “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”. Disagreement is one thing. Personal animosity is something else entirely. I will see you in worship tomorrow! Don
