Today’s scripture: Matthew 18:15-20 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
Former Vice President (and almost President) Al Gore separates from his wife Tipper after 40 years or marriage. Israel and Palestine continue to be at loggerheads, part a multi-generational conflict which way predates the formation of Israel in 1948. My best friends are on the verge of divorce.
Whether its couples, groups, or nations, peaceful coexistence has proven to be one of the most difficult things for humankind to achieve. Yes, we can go to the moon, we can perform quadruple heart bypass surgeries, we’re even sending a spaceship to Pluto, but getting along with someone who offends you — now, that’s another story!
So how do we miss the mark in this area? It seems to me there are three major ways.
- First, we don’t say anything at all when someone sins against us. Somehow we’re too afraid, or think too little of ourselves in order to speak out.
- Secondly, we talk to someone else about it, instead of the person who sinned against us. Both of these reasons eliminate any chance to get to know and understand the other person better, because there is no communication with them.
- The third way is to say something mean, shaming, or sarcastic. This, of course, is the wrong kind of direct dealing!
So often, disputes arise because there are two different opinions of what sin is. One person believes they’ve been terribly wronged, while the other doesn’t think what they did was all that bad. The Amplified translation of these verses points us toward a solution to this dilemma. It translates Matthew 18:18:
Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is already forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit and declare proper and lawful on earth must be what is already permitted in heaven.
So, I need to exert my most diligent effort to discern what is and what is not sin. But is that always possible? I’d love to answer that with a definitive yes, but, in truth, I believe it’s not. There are certain behaviors that God leaves up to our discretion to determine if, for us, they are permitted or sinful. Romans 14, addressing different faith traditions in the early church, speaks of some who have dietary restrictions, while others don’t. And, some esteem certain days as special, while others regard all days as equal. “Who are you to pass judgment. . .” and “Let all be fully convinced in their own minds” are how we’re urged to view these differences. So, I need to be careful that I’m not calling one of these discretionary behaviors or attitudes sin.
However, if I’ve earnestly sought God’s wisdom and come to the conclusion that, yes, I have been sinned against, then — and just as importantly — I need to seek wisdom on how to approach the person who has wronged me. I will need the fruit of the spirit spoken of in Galatians 5:22-23 in full force in order to be successful!
Thought for the day: Lord, thank you for giving me love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in order to respond to those who trespass against me.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.