How do you resolve disputes? How do you react to someone who offends you? How do you react to someone who does something against you? Is your first inclination to retaliate? Do you seek revenge? Do you hold a grudge? Are you unforgiving? Are you willing to reconcile?
Many of us are averse to confrontation. We will avoid it if possible, sometimes to our own detriment. Rather than confronting the offender, we hold a grudge and complain about them. Holding a grudge or seeking revenge is not only not helpful, but also not healthy.
Jesus gives us a process to seek resolution. He says we are to first approach the first person privately. We are to attempt to talk it out. We may gain a new understanding. We may convince the other person to apologize. This allows healing to happen. If the person will not listen, we are to gather two or three others to observe our discussion with the other person as witnesses. The presence of others may be enough pressure for the other person to admit the wrong. If that does not work, we are to take it before the church.
Unfortunately, too many times the offense and grudge are allowed to fester. Over time it compounds and becomes worse. Rather than allowing that to happen, we are to confront the offender tactfully and with love, seeking resolution and reconciliation. Gaining resolution and reconciliation is gaining a brother or sister.
I pray we all seek resolution for any offenses. I pray we seek reconciliation with our brothers and sisters. I pray each one of us are willing to gain understanding and forgive one another. Seek resolution. Seek reconciliation. Seek understanding. Be willing to forgive.
Matthew 18:15 “If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If you are listened to, you have regained that one.”
Marty Pressey 