Household Hostility

 “And the men of Israel turned back against the children of Benjamin, and struck them down with the edge of the sword—from every city, men and beasts, all who were found. They also set fire to all the cities they came to.” Judges‬ ‭20‬:‭48‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

When members of a household of faith, fellowship, or fieldwork fight against one another, everyone in the hostility is usually concerned about the settling of personal scores and individual offences. Whereas, all parties in the household hostility may not be spared from the terror of God. For example, in the hostility between the men of Israel and the children of Benjamin, it was interesting to note that none of the parties was spared from the terror of God and judgment against the evil of idolatry, immorality, and wickedness. Even while Israel represented the religious side with respect for asking for divine guidance before attacking Benjamin, they were defeated by Benjamin twice before the highlighted record of victory. It implies that the terror of God against the systemic corruption and unrighteousness in the household of God wasn’t the main consideration for the hostility. Even today, at the root of most household hostilities are personal pride, jealousy, hatred, and unhealthy competition. Whereas, as inspired by the scriptures, “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God”. If we truly know the terror of God against all forms of unrighteousness, rather than embracing household hostility, we would persuade men towards the escape route with household hospitality, the sharing of His grace and love.