The Story of Jesus
“If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his conduct. This would generally have all the desired effect with a true Christian, and the parties would be reconciled. The principles of these rules may be practiced every where, and under all circumstances, though they are too much neglected by all.
But how few try the method which Christ has expressly enjoined to all his disciples! In all our proceedings we should seek direction in prayer; we cannot too highly prize the promises of God. Wherever and whenever we meet in the name of Christ, we should consider him as present in the midst of us.” –Matthew Henry’s Commentary
This passage of going after a lost brother or sister is quickly followed by the making it right with our friends in an open, sincere, loving way. Where love is, because of Christ, HE will be there with us!
Matthew 18, Msg
Work It Out Between You
12-14 “Look at it this way. If someone has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders off, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine and go after the one? And if he finds it, doesn’t he make far more over it than over the ninety-nine who stay put? Your Father in heaven feels the same way. He doesn’t want to lose even one of these simple believers.
15-17 “If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won’t listen, tell the church. If he won’t listen to the church, you’ll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God’s forgiving love.
18-20 “Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.”
“MAKE A PRAYER OF IT!”
Yes, talk to God first. Then talk to your brother or sister, fellow believers, who have hurt you. Seek peace. It will cost us our pride but what is that really and where does pride get us? Instead our goal is to gain complete restoration of a relationship! So, going after fellow believers, is just as much about the maturity in us as in them. Mm
Dear Heavenly Father, You continue to teach us the “how” along with the “should” for our own good. If we want a great, loving relationship with You, then we must, at all costs to ourselves, have a sincere, loving, restorative relationship with others. Thank you for teaching us. We repent of not relating Your way. Help us to think and behave more like You. In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 