Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Critics (Part 4)

So Andy, you don't think that we should confront the wrongs? Yes I do think we should. But I think we should confront the wrongs the way our Savior and Lord says we should.

Matthew 18
15 “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. 16 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.’ 17 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.

18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”


Jesus tells me that I must go to the brother or sister who sins and point out their sin to them. If I'm unable to do this because I can't approach them then I need to trust that God, who is in control, will place someone in their path to confront them, someone in their circle of influence, congregation of friend relationship. Jesus' verses above show, I believe, that this confrontation is to take place among believers who have a relationship with each other.

2 comments:

Rick Lawrenson said...

Based on your third installment it isn't always "sin" that brings the offense. Often it is a difference in opinion or interpretation.

So, if someone hasn't truly "sinned", but I still feel is wrong, should I and how should I confront him/her/therm?

Andy Lawrenson said...

If it is not truly "sin" and I have no relationship with that person I don't think I would confront them.

If it were someone I have a relationship with I would only confront if it were something that is going to hinder our relationship together. Sometimes we have to agree to disagree without being disagreeable.

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