May 5, 2015
Conflict is inevitable, but how we handle it makes all the difference. Avoiding or denying conflict, which is often the preferred tactic, never resolves anything. But, when we face it, there is an important process to follow, outlined by Jesus.
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 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.” (Matthew 18.15-17)
We don’t talk to others about an issue in someone’s life; we talk to them directly. If we are successful, the problem is resolved. But, if we reach an impasse, we are instructed to bring along one or two witnesses. If this level of confrontation is ineffective, we are instructed to bring the matter before the church. Just how this is to be done in the modern church is a bit unclear, but it is a drastic measure to appeal to someone unrepentant. And, if this is ineffective, their status with the body of Christ is clearly changed. But, there has been misunderstanding as to what it means to treat someone as a “Gentile and tax collector.” The assumption is that they are to be treated as outcasts; shunned by the body of believers. But, one of Jesus’ disciples was a tax collector. Mark, the human author of the Gospel of Mark, had a Gentile father. It seems inconsistent to sever ties completely with an unrepentant individual.
I like to think that the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15.11-32) serves as an example. Those who are wayward separate themselves by their actions. But, loving and mature believers always take a reconciling stance; ready to receive the repentant. Until they repent, to make sure we don’t condone sinful behavior, they are held at arm’s length from “family” matters in the body of Christ, but even this must be done lovingly. The goal is not harsh punishment, but genuine repentance and reconciliation.
In this age of disposable relationships, Jesus’ words may seem outdated and impractical. But, it is always the Father’s desire “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3.9) So much as depends on us, we are called to facilitate repentance by those responsive.
Life would be great without conflict, but we know that conflict is a fact of life in this age. With conflict there is opportunity for growth and renewal. May we manage the conflict that inevitably comes such that, instead of it being detrimental, it becomes a springboard for spiritual progress.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 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.” (Matthew 18.15-17)
We don’t talk to others about an issue in someone’s life; we talk to them directly. If we are successful, the problem is resolved. But, if we reach an impasse, we are instructed to bring along one or two witnesses. If this level of confrontation is ineffective, we are instructed to bring the matter before the church. Just how this is to be done in the modern church is a bit unclear, but it is a drastic measure to appeal to someone unrepentant. And, if this is ineffective, their status with the body of Christ is clearly changed. But, there has been misunderstanding as to what it means to treat someone as a “Gentile and tax collector.” The assumption is that they are to be treated as outcasts; shunned by the body of believers. But, one of Jesus’ disciples was a tax collector. Mark, the human author of the Gospel of Mark, had a Gentile father. It seems inconsistent to sever ties completely with an unrepentant individual.
I like to think that the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15.11-32) serves as an example. Those who are wayward separate themselves by their actions. But, loving and mature believers always take a reconciling stance; ready to receive the repentant. Until they repent, to make sure we don’t condone sinful behavior, they are held at arm’s length from “family” matters in the body of Christ, but even this must be done lovingly. The goal is not harsh punishment, but genuine repentance and reconciliation.
In this age of disposable relationships, Jesus’ words may seem outdated and impractical. But, it is always the Father’s desire “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3.9) So much as depends on us, we are called to facilitate repentance by those responsive.
Life would be great without conflict, but we know that conflict is a fact of life in this age. With conflict there is opportunity for growth and renewal. May we manage the conflict that inevitably comes such that, instead of it being detrimental, it becomes a springboard for spiritual progress.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 8:56 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home