CONSEQUENCES FOR RESISTERS OF RESOLUTION
“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. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. —Matthew 18:15-17
For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths. —Proverbs 5:21
Conflict resolution begins with
- First, going to the person you are having conflict with and pointing out the “fault.” Again, this is to be done first and hopefully whatever the “fault” is, hopefully it can be resolved at this point. But the person has to be willing to listen to you. If not, then the next step is to be taken. May the person be “won over” at this first step though.
- Secondly, if the person “will not listen” to you, then you are to take one or two others with you “so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’” These witnesses are to listen, seek to understand the situation and give advice to resolve it. But if the person even will not listen to these witnesses to resolve the “fault,” then the next step is to be taken.
- Thirdly, If the person has refuse to listen to the witness, then the “fault” is to be told to the church. If the person refuses to listen to what the church is telling them, then the next step is to be taken,
- Fourthly, those who refuse to listen to the individual who initially came to them with the fault, and if they refuse to listen to the witnesses who established the problem and if they refuse to listen to the whole church’s guidance, THEN “treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” That is, not to be yoked together with this person just as you wouldn’t be yoked together with unbelievers (II Corinthians 6:14-16).
Too often today step one doesn’t happen because instead of going to the person, one may—
- Just be in denial that it happened
- Don’t want to hold the other person accountable
- Fear approaching the person
- Run away from the situation
- Have tried to resolve it at this level, but don’t follow through to the next level
- Have no more contact with the person—leave
When the first responsibility is not carried out, then the person at “fault” is never held accountable and can repeat the “fault” in the lives of others. This can be very destructive in a local church. Dear Father, may we be faithful to hold each other accountable when needed for Your glory and honor and in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son. You have given us the process of reconciliation. Yes, may we follow it to see resolution. So be it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE_PNUNmw9c&list=RDrE_PNUNmw9c&start_radio=1