Romans 16:17

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” When I read this passage of scripture, it sounds as if Paul was being hard and callus toward someone who may be in error. His words are brass and to the point. When a person is caught up in the bitterness it ultimately will lead to division. The key to understanding Paul’s instructions is the word “cause.” Cause is the Greek word poieo which means to rise up and execute. The connotation is one who sets out to destroy others with a bitter spirit. (Heb. 12:15)

How do you know when someone has a bitter spirit of division? First and foremost, they are unforgiving. When a person is unforgiving, they will become relentless in trying to destroy others. (Luke 17:1) Secondly, they will be proud. Their pride will not let them fold. Even if they know they are wrong, they will become obstinate to the point of absurdity. (Prov. 16:19) Last but not least they are guilty of hit and run. Just like a drunk driver, people intoxicated with bitterness crash into people with attitudes of hate and cause many to wreck their lives. (1 Tim. 1:19)

Avoiding them is the only answer. They can no longer proceed as friends of any fellowship. They will run like roaches from one blind church to the next. Presenting themselves as wounded spirits, when they know deep down they are full of deadly poison. (Psalm 104:3) If you value your soul, don’t attend to their stinging of others. How often will we have them for dinners in the name of reconciliation? (Jude 12) Their cruelty cannot be hid for long. It is an itching in their mouth that must be satisfied. Run for your life, dear saints, for one bite from their teeth is as the bite of a thousand serpents. There is no serum to cure damage. The only cure is to circumvent them at all cost. (Prov. 4:14‑19)

Word for Today
Circumvent ‑ To avoid or get around by artful maneuvering: She planned a way to circumvent all the bureaucratic red tape.

Quote for Today
I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.
- Edith Cavell, last words, before her execution by the Germans, 12 October 1915.