pRead Matthew 18:15-20. Jesus lays out three steps for confronting someone who’s out of line. We reckon they’re the answer to a situation that’s gone sour. First, meet that person alone (depending on what they need forgiving for, that won’t always be safe, use good sense). If they don’t listen then, meet them with friends a second time. If they still don’t listen, make it your mission to find a way to show them love, and practical acts of grace, regardless of their lack of remorse. *That* is how Jesus treated the ‘pagans and tax collectors’ who weren’t yet sorry for stuff they’d done wrong.br /
Here’s the catch, though: we all know that when someone has really hurt you, it’s not easy even to want to see them. Why, then, bother trying to forgive? Look to the few verses we often miss when talking about this - verses 19 and 20. In coming together and reconciling, with as much prayer and forcing-yourself as it might take, there’s a blessing to be had. 1) God promises to be with two people in agreement. When you call someone out, the ball’s in their court. If they agree that they need to reconcile, God is with you both, right there. 2) That peace isn’t possible without God’s presence. Biting the bullet and doing what Jesus instructs you to do in this situation isn’t easy, but it brings you both close to God. Done with His Spirit, it’s incredibly healing./p
pWhat now?br /
What do you need to reconcile? Pray for help to do it, and then try to put those three steps into action. See how God uses them to bring life again./p