Today's Reading:
Matthew 17,18,19
Scripture
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” (Matthew 18:15)
Observation
Kingdom of God, according to Matthew 18. One of the greatest rewards and one of the greatest tests is reconciling fallen relationships inside the family of God.
“But what if the other person is wrong?!” you may ask.
We must remember that God’s reconciliation toward us wasn’t dependent on how right one side was. If that were so, then the other side, which was wrong, would not receive redemption. If that were the case, we would all be plumb out of luck and on our way to a fiery furnace.
We are all sinners. We were all very wrong, but yet God chose to reconcile us to Himself, regardless. The lesson? Even if another is at fault, we must do the same as Jesus did with us. Reconciliation isn’t a judgment call. It is a Kingdom call.
Application
Splits are never healthy, and divisions can be a form of spiritual warfare. We must remember who the real enemy is.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12).
For the sake of our community and the future of the Church, we must make sure we remain unified, with one common goal and purpose. In the end, it won’t matter “who-was-more right” vs. “who-was-most wrong.”
What matters most to God is whether or not we were able to reconcile and leave the final judgment call to the only One who is certified to judge. No, it doesn’t mean we endorse sin.
It just means we endorse unity.
Prayer
Father, I’m so grateful for Your redemption that restored our relationship with God. Thank You for Your forgiveness. May we be a people of reconciliation and follow closely after You!
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