Read Matthew 18:15-20.
I think it is funny that so many of us who call Jesus Savior and Lord find it so difficult to actually obey him. Jesus said, that if we love him we will obey his commands. We generally do pretty good, but there are some commands of Jesus that we find very difficult. Particularly those that deal with interpersonal relationships, we find challenging. Issues of confrontation and forgiveness seem to be engaged with emotional blow-ups or desperate avoidance. This little set of instructions is one perfect example.
Jesus gives people in the church, particularly us in the church, this wonderful plan for maintaining peace. Note, peace in the Bible is never only about the absence of conflict, it is about the presence of well-being, health, and wholeness. Following Jesus is about relationships, yet relationships are particularly problematic because other people are involved. We find it hard enough to be at peace with ourselves, when you throw other people into the mix life can become incredibly complex.
Jesus says, that if someone sins against you, you are to go to that person one on one. Now, right there, most of us are completely guilty of radical disobedience because that is the last thing we want to do. It’s much easier to go to someone else and complain about another person’s sins rather than confront that person. Then, when we do confront them, we usually do so out of anger and a desire for self-justification rather than a true opening of a pathway for reconciliation and peace.
So, right off the bat, we’re usually in trouble. However, if we would pray first, then seek to follow God’s will, the Holy Spirit will enable us to do what Jesus calls us to do: lovingly and humbly confront. Then, if there is no resolution, bring a third trusted party into the mix. Here, also, we generally act out of self-interest and go for someone who will back up our point of view, rather than trusting someone who is able to maintain a neutral position. We gather our troops, so to speak. Again, all of these steps are to be motivated by love.
If this step fails at bringing about reconciliation, we go to the church. Now, can you imagine this happening in most churches today? I find it hard to imagine. Although, if we would prayerfully enter into a season of discernment, this is exactly where God would lead. Jesus gave these instructions for a purpose: he meant them to be followed.
God, give us the grace to be honest with ourselves and with one another. Help us develop relationships that encourage each other and glorify you.
I think it is funny that so many of us who call Jesus Savior and Lord find it so difficult to actually obey him. Jesus said, that if we love him we will obey his commands. We generally do pretty good, but there are some commands of Jesus that we find very difficult. Particularly those that deal with interpersonal relationships, we find challenging. Issues of confrontation and forgiveness seem to be engaged with emotional blow-ups or desperate avoidance. This little set of instructions is one perfect example.
Jesus gives people in the church, particularly us in the church, this wonderful plan for maintaining peace. Note, peace in the Bible is never only about the absence of conflict, it is about the presence of well-being, health, and wholeness. Following Jesus is about relationships, yet relationships are particularly problematic because other people are involved. We find it hard enough to be at peace with ourselves, when you throw other people into the mix life can become incredibly complex.
Jesus says, that if someone sins against you, you are to go to that person one on one. Now, right there, most of us are completely guilty of radical disobedience because that is the last thing we want to do. It’s much easier to go to someone else and complain about another person’s sins rather than confront that person. Then, when we do confront them, we usually do so out of anger and a desire for self-justification rather than a true opening of a pathway for reconciliation and peace.
So, right off the bat, we’re usually in trouble. However, if we would pray first, then seek to follow God’s will, the Holy Spirit will enable us to do what Jesus calls us to do: lovingly and humbly confront. Then, if there is no resolution, bring a third trusted party into the mix. Here, also, we generally act out of self-interest and go for someone who will back up our point of view, rather than trusting someone who is able to maintain a neutral position. We gather our troops, so to speak. Again, all of these steps are to be motivated by love.
If this step fails at bringing about reconciliation, we go to the church. Now, can you imagine this happening in most churches today? I find it hard to imagine. Although, if we would prayerfully enter into a season of discernment, this is exactly where God would lead. Jesus gave these instructions for a purpose: he meant them to be followed.
God, give us the grace to be honest with ourselves and with one another. Help us develop relationships that encourage each other and glorify you.