On the Way

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
~ Psalm 84:5

Friday, March 12, 2010

Peace & Reconciliation

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. ~ Matthew 19:15-16 why are we so afraid to do this? we are called to "speak the truth in love to one another" people are hurting, are sinning eggregiously against each other---and what do we do? we gossip, we get angry, slander the offending party, we keep it in, we harbor bitterness. THIS SHOULD NOT BE!!! we all know horror stories of this from Christians and non-Christians--- brothers, not speaking to each other for years, spouses in a cold war with one another if the gospel is true (which I firmly believe it is), it is good, radical, healing news which can meet these challenges head-on---but we must yield to grace! we must be willing to take bold steps to do what is needed including 'confronting someone who has sinned against us' i do not say this with any self-righteousness (i don't think). I'm 41 years old, have been a Christian since i was 16, but i feel like it's only been in the past year that some of this is finally sinking in to my thick head...i suspect i'm not the only one out there. So, if you have something against someone, as jesus said: "leave your gift at the altar, go and be reconciled to that person" If they get defensive, learn from them. if they reject you, remember people rejected the Lord Jesus too and he was perfect! if the don't repent, you've done the right thing...you can forgive and not hold on to bitterness which will only eat you alive anyway and keep you ineffective as a person! if they choose to accept your confession, then you will experience the sweet joys of reconciliation--you've won a brother or sister back --- a friend...then you've experienced real joy first hand---you've tasted the love of God in Jesus!!! "there is no fear in love; perfect love casts out fear" ~ 1 John 4 "bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ..." ~ Galatians 6 "don't leave me hollow, I'm tired of feeling low, feeling low..." ~ Switchfoot

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