By JAMES A. GILLETTE Jr.

I was born just a short 80 years after the end of the Civil War. In my lifetime I have been witness to many changes in the world and our nation. I do not believe I have ever witnessed the degree of division and hatred within our country.

In 1858 Abraham Lincoln gave his house divided speech at the Illinois State Capital and he was addressing the issue of division and hatred over slavery. In actuality he was quoting Jesus’ words from the Bible in Mark 3:25 “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (KJV)

The issues causing division and hatred in today’s society mirrors or has the same characteristics that brought about the Civil War, human rights and moral failure. As a nation every year we allow the inhumane slaughter of thousands of babies. The Lord tells us in Proverbs 6:17 that He hates, “Hands that shed innocent blood.” As some looked upon slaves, there are those who look upon un-born babies as not being human. Both groups’ were or are being denied their human rights.

Another issue that has brought division is homosexual marriage. The Bible says that marriage is between a man and a woman, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”

For many years the morality in this nation has been on the decline. One might ask, by what standards one can say that morality is or has been declining? By looking back at early American History at the standards and Biblical principles this nation was founded on. In the early 1600s when the pilgrims landed one of their first acts was to plant a cross and dedicate this land to the Lord. In the Congressional Record the first joint session of Congress was a Prayer Service at a Chapel and they dedicated this Nation to the Lord. (Note: Chapel in New York City, our capital at the time that owned property where Ground Zero is.

In the Supreme Court Building Moses and the Ten Commandments are carved in the woodwork. It only takes a quick look at our nation’s history to see our Biblical roots.

Sadly; not only has the division we are experiencing been among the secular population but within the Christian Churches as well. The more progressive churches believe that by endorsing the sins of those denying the unborn their human rights and professing homosexuality and homosexual marriage to be acts of love are denying the Biblical teachings they profess to believe in. Showing “true love” means telling the truth.

The Bible says, “love, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;” True love sounds the warning of the presence of the enemy and what lies ahead. Remember, the Lord is coming back for His Church (Bride) without spot, blemish or wrinkle.

James A Gillette Jr. is a Clarendon resident.