Skip to main content

161. A Brother Who Sins Against You


Matthew 18:15-17
Key Verse: "If your brother, or sister, sins against you, go and show them their fault, just between the two of you.
Matthew 18:15

The world says: "If someone sins against you, you have the right to be angry! You have the right to pick up the phone and tell others how you have been offended because you have the right to be comforted!" It also says: "You have a right to bear a grudge until they recognize what they have done and come to you to apologize and ask for forgiveness." Sound familiar?

Jesus says: "If someone sins against you, it's your responsibility to try to make things right." How many times have you offended or hurt someone's feelings and you had no clue you had done so. You sensed that the relationship was growing cold, but you honestly had no clue why. Imagine finding out that someone is building a case against you in their minds or among their friends, and you have no clue what you've done.

This happens way too often in relationships. The offended party can't imagine that the offender has no clue so the offender goes on with his or her life while you, the offended party become more and more agitated. Jesus says, don't go there. Instead of nursing your grudge, "Go and show them their fault!" (Matt. 18:15)

Notice Jesus does not say, "Go and accuse them." One of the biggest problems in relationships occurs when we believe our perceptions, rather than reality. The prophet Jeremiah reminds us in Jeremiah 17:9, that the human heart is deceitful and exceedingly wicked. Satan would love to convince you that you are right and the other person is wrong, anything to keep your anger going, but how tragic to have all that energy built up in resentment when there may be a simple misunderstanding. Everyone, not just you, deserves the right to be able to tell their story and be heard.

When you have done as Jesus says, and the other person is still sticking to their position, and you also haven’t come around to seeing things their way, your responsibility to that person still isn't done. Next, bring two or three witnesses who can hear both sides and help both of you build toward reconciliation. You are not to bring two or three people to back up your position. Perhaps you need help in understanding the other person as well.

Finally, however, when you have tried and the two or three others have tried and the other person still will not work toward reconciliation, then, Jesus admonishes the church, His bride, to get involved. When the offender does not respond to the church, then, and only then, should you see him or her as an unbeliever. And, how do we treat unbelievers? We pray for them. He or she is still your responsibility through prayer. 

 It was back on the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus said: "I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven." We must consider that it may never be God's Will to walk away forever. Separation may be good and necessary for a time, and you may never be able to have a personal relationship with that person, but never finish praying.

Hymn: "Lead Us, O Father, Inthe Paths of Peace" 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

It’s Worth Everything

Phil 1:12-30 Listen Link: www.lcepc.org then look for “sermons” tab. Have you ever had a bad day? Have you ever lived through very difficult circumstances? Sure, we all have. But what you have experienced, certainly I will say that what I have experienced, is probably very mild compared to what Paul endured. And yet he is the one who said, “Whatever happens, stand firm. It’s worth it.” What encouragement does he give? Is there any evidence that Paul knows what he is talking about? All he says in this letter is, “I am in chains.” But there is so much more to this story! Most likely Paul was writing from prison in Rome, the one we read about in Acts 28. But the whole drama of how he got there starts in Acts 21. Seven chapters in the Book of Acts describe the things that happened after Paul completed his third missionary journey and returned to Jerusalem. I think it’s important to summarize those events here because it will add meaning to what Paul means by stand firm. The dram...
Post a Comment
Read more

130. Healing or Exorcism?

Matthew 9:32-34 Key Verse: The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." Matthew 9:33B In contrast to the two blind men who came on their own (yesterday’s reading), here is a man who was brought to Jesus by others. This demon behaved very differently than the other demons that we have encountered up to this point. Most of them were combative, or left their victims on the ground while they went screaming off into, who knows where. This one never says a word, but still it must submit to Jesus’ command. Interesting also, that sometimes Jesus tells the people he has healed not to say anything.  But in the case of healing a mute who couldn’t say anything, it is best if he speaks! Besides, the crowds saw it for themselves and were amazed. It was already public. Nobody could’ve kept it under wraps.  Once again, the Pharisees were given an opportunity to praise God, but instead they criticized Jesus and said, “It is by the prince o...
Post a Comment
Read more

152. Those Who Found the Price Too High

John 6:60-71 Key Verse: "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." John 6:63 When we covered the early part of this passage, (John 6:29-59), we discussed how Jesus made following Him an exclusive calling. God chooses us and we choose Him. As a result, God has certain expectations on us as followers, and partakers of His son. All of this has to do with the "Cost of Discipleship." We don't cover this topic as much as, perhaps, we should as Christians. Too many of us believe that all that is required of us is to pray the sinners' prayer and then it's a done deal. However, have you ever thought about the fact that the "sinner's prayer," or the prayer that leads to salvation is not in Scripture? It is a series of phrases that have been strung together by people, to cover the bases so that you can surrender to Jesus and begin your walk with Him.  The true, main...
Post a Comment
Read more