2026-11-06
Good morning, Dear Ones,
The Scriptures contain God’s process of attempts at restitution after a believer has sinned. Because leaders, teachers, and pastors are held to a higher standard, this process is particularly saliant. Restitution in the face of sinner should be very important, because a sin against another is also flying in the face of God’s teaching. Sin separates a person from God. This is the subject of this portion of conflict resolution.
In an attempt to not destroy a person’s reputation, the first attempt at bringing a turnaround in the sinner’s thoughts and/or behavior, privacy should be practiced. MT 18: 15, [Christ’s words], “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.” That’s step 1. However, this rebuke should be done in accordance with LK 17: 3, “So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. You may remember the story of the prophet Nathan, who had a very sizable task given to him by God. He was to find a way to let King David know that the latter had engaged in wrongdoing, so he told David a parable of great injustice [2 SAM 12: 4-6] to which David had an emotional expression of this injustice. Then, Nathan said in verse 7, “You are the man!” In verses 8-10, Nathan outlines to the king the latter’s sins of murder and adultery against Uriah and Bathsheba. God had pronounced the consequences of David’s sins [verses 11-12], and the king confesses his sinning in [verse 13]. While David himself is forgiven, he must still endure the consequences. [Please read this important story].
We have direction on what to do if the first attempt to get reconciliation fails (step 2) in MT 18: 16, [Christ’s words] “But if they will not listen to you, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses,’ as the Scripture [DT 19: 15] says. To do this correctly, it must be done by spiritually mature and reliable people. This concept and approach is directly an outgrowth of DT 19: 15, “One witness is not enough to convict someone of a crime; at least two witnesses are necessary to prove that someone is guilty.” Should this still not work to lead to restitution, then it is necessary to take step 3, as given in MT 18: 17, then the sinning must be shared with the congregation. None of these steps should be taken without prayer asking God for direction before taking them. Many years ago, I was on a committee required to examine the irresponsible behavior of a pastor. He was having an affair with a member of the congregation. Each of these steps were taken in the order given, and the process was stressful and painful indeed. Our committee had the spiritual welfare of the congregation in mind the whole time. This pastor refused to stop the affair or to confess his wrongdoing to God. The investigation was very distasteful to us and it finally led to the need to defrock this man (divest him of his duties as a pastor).
Worship can be interrupted by unresolved fractures, as described in MT 5: 23-24. We must remember that Jesus teaches us to be forgiving. [Christ’s words], “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Holding grudges is not godly or constructive. It can hurt the grudge holder and/or the person at whom the grudge is held. It cheapens the offering being made. Even if the other person refuses to work things out, the attempt to do so counts for the one that doesn’t. Quick resolution is always better than prolonged standoffs. MT 5: 25 [Christ’s words] “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.” As for forgiveness, MT 18: 21-22 addresses Christ’s teaching. “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” LK 17: 4 [Christ’s words] “Even if they sin against you seven time in a day and seven times come back to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.
PRAYER: Dearest Lord, You give us clear direction on the process of attempting to get a sinner to repent, and also on forgiveness. We must understand our need to remain righteous in every situation. The process is orderly, and in the believer’s best eternal interests. You are a gracious and merciful God, Who wants us to be the same. We offer You praise and heartfelt thanksgiving for all You are and all You do. Your direction is filled with good intent. PS 143: 10, Teach me to do Your will, for Your good Spirit leads me on level ground.” Praise and thanksgiving be to You in the holy/mighty name of Jesus Christ.
NEXT WEEK: The Holy Spirit commands me to write about healing the breach in this series of messages on conflict resolution next week. To the wives of Lamech, Adah and Zillah, Lamech said, “I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times’” [GN 4: 23-24]. This shows that Christ’s teaching is wholly consistent throughout the Bible. Even if the other party in a squabble or more serious sin refuses to make peace, we need to do so and be forgiving. It’s God’s way! Praise and thanksgiving be to Him!
Grace be with You Always,
Lynn, JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2026. All Rights Reserved.
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