MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 18:15
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone:if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
BACKGROUND : According to the bible offense will happen but we must deal with it God’s way. The goal of Biblical conflict resolution is to resolve the conflict; not to condemn or critically judge another for the offense. Remember we were once an enemy of God but in his love, He redeemed us so we must do the same. Colossians 1:21-22 This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. NLT.
A : ADDRESS THE SITUATION ONE ON ONE WITH THE OFFENDER: Matthew 18:15
If a Christian is offended by a brother or a sister in the church, it is our duty to go to the offender and discuss the matter candidly in private, the main purpose of this approach is to reconcile. We are not to start rumor or gossip. Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Proverbs 20:19He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets:
therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
B: BRING ONE OR TWO BRETHREN WITH YOU : Matthew 18:16
Still in the process of reconciliation, it is important to prayerfully select Christ like minded brethren to go with us.Also remember we are not going there to insist on our right, we are going with humility with the goal of reconciliation not retaliation.Leviticus 19:18 ESV You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
C : CONTACT THE CHURCH : Matthew 18:17 The reason church need to know is to pray and by God’s grace with love address the issue with both parties for the same purpose of peace and restoration. James 5:20 let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins. If all else fail we will continue to pray and allow God to work it out.