JESUS SPEAKING

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18: 15 – 17)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus reveals a simple mechanism for addressing sin within the Christian Church. Everyone who commits sin must first be approached privately, and given the opportunity to repent and apologize. If they refuse to repent, then a small group of faithful Christians must repeat this process; once again emphasizing the necessity for repentance. If they still refuse, then the matter must be revealed to the entire congregation, which represents their final opportunity to change. If they again refuse to repent, then they must be ejected from the Church and are no longer members of the Body of Christ.

When God called Moses to lead his people out of the land of Egypt, Pharaoh refused to comply. In response, God turned the Nile river into blood (a rather frightening spectacle.) And yet the ruler refused to repent. In fact, Pharaoh was given nine more opportunities to obey God, but each time his heart remained stubborn. As a result, Egypt endured nine additional plagues. After the final calamity, Pharaoh relented, allowing the Jews to flee toward the Red sea. Still Pharaoh eventually regretted releasing them and in one last act of defiance, he mustered his army and chased after the Israelites to destroy them. God parted the RED sea; creating a way for His people to escape. Blinded by hatred, Pharaoh and his men attempted to follow after the Jews, but were destroyed when the RED sea collapsed in on them.

Like Pharaoh, individuals within the Church that refuse Godly correction are bound to experience hardship and eventual destruction. God, in His wisdom has ordained a mechanism for addressing sinful behaviors within the body of Christ; a method that can lead to correction, repentance, and reconciliation among believers. May we all be willing to confront others, and also to receive correction whenever we have behaved in a manner that is not consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, as Your servants we desire to accomplish Your will in every area of our lives. May we be willing to address sin within the Church. May we confront others in love, and be willing to receive correction when we are confronted by our fellows. Give us humble, faithful hearts that are always willing to endure sound doctrine. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!