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Your Kindness Leads to Repentance
Carl HigashiMatthew 18:15-17
15 "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
This is Jesus' teaching to His disciples on church discipline. The first requirement if this process is to take place, comes when someone has sinned against me and not anyone else. If he listens, things are resolved and relationship is kept and strengthened. If he doesn't listen and things are still left unresolved, then two or three other believers should act as impartial witnesses. They all are called to reference scripture in coming to a biblical resolution. If he still refuses to be corrected with the witnesses present, bring the situation to the church (ministry leader, pastor, elders, etc.). If there is still no resolution, treat him as a non-believer.
My primary application, don't poke your nose into other people's business!
This not just adispute resolution process between believers, it is also a relationship strengthening process. It is simple, but seldom followed.
The Lord reminds me how important relationships are in my life. Take utmost care with those who are closest to me in my family and church family. In all situations where a dispute occurs, may I always remember that Christ was first to lay down His life in spite of His righteousness. Keeping this at the forefront of my thoughts while in any dispute will allow me to discern what things are really worth dying for. Remember to never allow an offense to hinder the relationship between others and me.
Once this is solidified in my mind, go through the process not skipping or altering the steps, but allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me through EACH step carefully till completion.
Lord thank you for your grace, that leads to repentance. If there is any dispute may I always address it with this process you have set forth in your word. As You teach me to navigate through these difficult situations, may I always remember that it is your grace, while not withholding the truth that will win a brother or sister back to You. Please lead me by your Spirit in all these situations. May lives be changed and relationships strengthened to the glory of You, through resolving things through this process.
Love You Lord with all my heart! In Jesus name I pray. Amen!
