Jesus says how!
Good morning brother and sisters. Yesterday I wrote how being unforgiving is not an option. We must forgive. We forgive so hate does not take root in our hearts. We forgive because that releases any hold that unforgiveness has on us. We forgive because our Father in heaven forgives us when we do wrong. But how do you let one know that they have sinned against you. I am so glad you asked, because Jesus tells us how. We are really looking at the words of Jesus so we can grow to become Christ-like. All that Jesus says is required of us. So let's take a look at Matthew 18:15-20. 15- 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. Ok I am not so good at this and I bet you are not either. We want to tell someone else first. But Jesus says to go them first, and the two of you work it out together. But he also gives instructions if things do not go so well. 21- 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. See, I told you. After you have spoken with the one who has sinned against you ALONE, and nothing is accomplished, then you go and get witnesses. 22- 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. Ok then if that does nothing then we take to the church. See Jesus doesn't want gossip. He doesn't want everyone to know if one person has sinned against you unless it is absolutely necessary. We tend to go and tell everyone before the one that has sinned against us even knows what they have done. You know if we did the first step then maybe just maybe a whole lot of hatred would stop. Because maybe the one who did the offense doesn't even know they did the offense. And the final is taking it to the church and if that doesn't work and they still refuse, be done. They have an unforgiving heart. But you must take it up with them first, not everyone else. But Jesus has more. 16- 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. What you do on this earth matters to heaven, where our Heavenly Father is. Where if we follow Jesus is our home. 19- 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. Now that doesn't mean you and your spouse get together and ask Jesus for that mansion and all the money in the world. No. What you ask, must be in the will of the Father. And this is concerning the forgiveness of the one who has sinned. When we forgive on earth, it is forgiven in heaven. When they refuse to repent on earth, they refuse repentance in heaven. That is what He is talking about. Then one of my favorite verses. Because it takes so little. 20- For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. When we gather and are doing all the steps that Jesus has laid out for us, He will be there to guide us through it all. And when Jesus is involved, nothing is impossible. He will do it. Repent, refresh, revive. Rise up children of God, rise up!