I can include myself in the group of folks who claim to be Christian but because of human nature, compare myself to the rest of the world. And if anyone reads the Bible with a slight bit of intensity, it instructs the so-called Christian that the words are written for believers not for people outside the faith. It’s a hard pill to swallow when we deal with our own sinfulness and place more emphasis on other people’s missteps. And this may be shocking to read, but did you know that people within the church have disagreements? Even God’s people fall out with one another just like anybody else. With those inside the faith, the 18th chapter of Matthew provides a step-by-step guide to handling such disputes. In verse 15 of chapter 18, Jesus instructs his disciples, “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.”
For the sake of context, this portion of Matthew’s gospel begins with the disciples asking Jesus one of those selfish questions that could easily cause friction within the most devout church. They wanted to know who would be the greatest once they were transformed into the heavenly realm. Jesus cleverly responded by telling his disciples that they are to worry about living as Christians on earth before considering things of heaven and to approach their faith as little children. Essentially, the question was answered that everyone would have equal protection, love and provision in heaven and the key is just to enter by the “narrow gate.”
One way to start this journey according to Scripture is to handle disputes with fellow Christian a certain way. Start off one on one and perhaps the issue is something that could be overcome with a dialogue between two people. If so, you have won this person back into fellowship. If this doesn’t work, the Scripture provides step two of bringing two to three witnesses to hear the material portion of the disagreement between the parties to resolve it that way. The final step if not resolved in steps one and two is to bring the matter before the church. If this does not prick the heart of the person who has committed an obvious offense, the Bible tells the church that no fellowship between the offender and the church is possible. Restoring and maintaining fellowship is the objective here. Of course, nobody wants to lose fellowship with someone they have grown to love as a Christian brother or sister. But If the church follows these guidelines, Matthew 15:18 should provide some reassurance. “Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” In other words, there is a truth and an ultimate clear cut right and wrong in these situations know matter how someone feels. And these words in Matthew 18 basically tell believers that the record of the right and wrong has been kept and ratified in the heavenly realm. Finally, don’t be surprised when you hear that someone of faith committed an infraction against another. In fact, in reading Scripture about so-called Christians, believers are suing one another, flaunting their wealth in front of the less fortunate during communion and having illicit affairs. But, Scripture provides remedies for all of the sins of believers with restoration of fellowship between God and man as the objective.
Patrick Ervin is the editor for the Delta Democrat Times. Write to him at patrickervin@ddtonline.com.
