Edwards's on the Christian spirit and society.

This is Jonathan Edwards's teaching on 1 Corinthians 13. The following paragraph is a meditation of excellency of spirit. He answers the question what if in our society we forbear wrongs like Christ does for us.

But let us consider how greatly we stand in need of God's long-suffering with regard to our injuries towards him. How often and how greatly are we injuriously behaving ourselves towards God; how ill is our treatment of him every day? And if God does not bear with us, and exercise wonderful longsuffering towards us, how miserable shall we be? What will become of us? Let these considerations, therefore, influence all of us to seek such an excellent spirit as that which has been spoken of, and to disallow and suppress every thing of the contrary spirit or practice. It would be of an happy influence in our towns and public societies in the management of all our public affairs if such a spirit as this prevailed. It would prevent contention and strife, and so would prevent a great deal of confusion with every evil work. Our affairs would all be carried on without any fierceness, without rage and bitterness of spirit, without harsh and opprobrious expressions to others, and malignant backbiting and comtemptuous speeches behind others' backs; and nothing would be lost by it

(Charity and its Fruits)