In Matthew Chapter 18,
Jesus explained how a sibling in Christ is to handle a sinning brother (or sister of the same account). Jesus said, “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. “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:15-20 What a great reminder on how we are to handle a brother or sister in Christ, when there is discord or doubt. We must remember that sin is not about us, but rather it’s about a thought or a deed that goes against God. And, although we may be hurt by the offense that took place, when a person sins it’s really an offense to God. Also, if you do not know God, then you do not know sin. You only know what man has defined to be good or bad. And as the culture changes, and depending on who is in charge, humans create laws based on a man thinks. But the ways of God are always the same. They do not change. “The grass withers, and the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8 God’s character is comprised purely of light and love, and sin is anything that goes against Him. Sin exists only in the dark. You see, sin existed before the downfall of man. Sin existed when the first son of God rebelled against Him - when Lucifer desired to be exalted high above God. We must remember that Satan is God’s creation. For God to be God, everything has to come from Him. That includes the angels and demons and humans; everything that exists in both the physical and spiritual realms. Satan is not a human, but an angel of darkness. An spiritual being who masquerades as light in the earthly realm. “He was the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. He was in Eden, the garden of God; And every precious stone was his covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of his timbrels and pipes was prepared for him on the day of his creation.” “He was the anointed cherub and God established him; He was on the holy mountain of God; And he walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. He was perfect in his ways from the day he was created, Till iniquity was found in Him.” Ezekiel 28:12-15 Then the Lord responded to Him with the only consequence that could be given for such rebellion. “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.” Isaiah 14:12-15 You see, “free will” means there is always a chance that God’s creation will not love Him above everything else. But God does not want robots. He wants children who is willing to keep His Word. He wants a child who stays and doesn’t run. You see, evil does not come from God. Evil comes from the intent of a being’s heart. When the creation decides they are like the Creator, they become an idol and worship themselves. That is why Satan has been given authority over the earth realm, at least until Gods appointed time when He creates a New Earth and a New Heaven. Revelation 22 Satan attempts to tempt us to worship the flesh, rather than worshipping the One True God out of love. Satan knows very well - a creation without salvation only means death. He knows he is going down, and he wants to bring us to hell with him! And this is why God puts us to the test. It’s because of His unfailing love and constant forgiveness that God provides his children with constant correction in the purification process. It’s only God’s love through His faithful son, Jesus, that saves us! And it’s only His blood makes us clean. As the Spirit of God transforms our heart, we become better and better at submitting to Him. That is why brothers and sisters in Christ are told to address sin with loving kindness and a servant’s heart. “If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted” Galatians 6:1 The goal is to approach the person who is in sin, alone, in love, and without condemnation. If the person is unable or unwilling to hear, then we are told to gather one or two more witnesses, and establish the Word. We are called to be brave. To reach out to the person and have the conversation. We should not be talking behind their back because all this does is stir up strife which creates a whole new offense against God. Our attitude in how we approach is very important for the success of the conversation. A person should not feel like they have to go on the defense. They should be open and ready to listen to another servant’s heart. The ultimate goal is for your brother or sister to have reconciliation with the Lord and not to wallow in the same sin. Finding fault is not about keeping someone in the dark. It should be about shedding light on blind spots, and guess what - we all have them! Often times, what I have found, Is that a person might not even know they have offended. They may not even realize they are operating in sin. A simple conversation could lead to quick clarification of what was intended by the offending comment or action. I know it’s hard. It’s easier said than done. No one wants to approach a person on sin, because it feels the opposite of love. It feels like your judging them. I have personally fallen into this trap! Offense is often the Bait of Satan. And all too many times, I have gotten stuck, and then realize I’m now offending God! At first it can be an uncomfortable position! But it’s part of speaking the truth in love. Forgiveness is also an extremely part! It should be the immediate response! The scripture says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:23 Can you imagine if God did not forgive? I’m pretty sure we would all be screwed! Now, if we go to the person and they refuse to accept the Truth, then we are told to gather 2 or 3 other witnesses and go back to them and address the sin again. And then, if that does not work, we are to bring the offense to the whole congregation. And ask them to help that person out. Now listen. Not once did Jesus say to address the sin of another church member by going to the Pastor or the elders, unless of course, they are the ones walking in blindness. Perhaps this practice is in another place in scripture, and I have just not run across it yet? We need to remember that as children of God we are all equal; and under the blood of Christ, we are all priests! Sin can entangle any one of us. We have to stop putting people on pedestals. This is often how teachers and pastors burnout! Also, It’s very important to remember the context that Jesus is talking in. Jesus is speaking about how to handle lost sheep, not how to handle wolves! They are two very different seeds. The goal is always to bring the sheep back into the fold! The goal is always to bring light through peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
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