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Matthew 18:15 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense.”
Matthew 18:15-20 is a great passage to refer to when considering how to appropriately respond when another follower of Jesus sins against you. Unfortunately, there are at least two ways in which Christians fail to follow through on the correct application of this passage.
First, some may read this passage and think that they need to confront another Christian who has a different perspective on a certain topic. I can’t believe he voted for _________ I need to tell him how wrong it was to do that! But just because somebody thinks differently about a certain topic doesn’t mean they’ve sinned against you.
Second, some may read this passage and think that confronting another Christian who has sinned against them is too hard. So instead of brining the offense forward, they will gossip about them, plan retribution, give them the silent treatment, or do any other number of things short of actually having a conversation. To live like Jesus is to have hard conversations, but to do so in a healthy way.
READING & PRAYERS:
MATTHEW 18:15-20 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: Can you think of a time when you experienced this passage being lived out in a healthy way? One in which those involved practiced and experienced healthy conflict in a way that ultimately glorified God? What was that like?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Are you doing too much?Practice slowing down and living life at the pace of your soul by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice daily. The app is free, and is available on iPhone and Android devices.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess there are times when I shy away from hard conversations. Instead of confronting somebody in a healthy way, I’m prone to avoid them. Thank You for the reminder that sweeping something under the rug isn’t being a peacemaker. Instead, a peace maker is about doing what’s necessary to experience real peace in a relationship. Continue to help me live a life that experiences real peace with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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