Discipline In Love

How do you come to an agreement with others? Are your agreements binding? As parents, how do you negotiate and agree on how you will punish your children’s bad behavior? Do you also show grace and forgiveness to them? Do you include God in your decisions?

Agreeing and disagreeing is different for each of us. We have our own experiences and learning, which become filters for our decision-making process. Make no mistake, to agree or disagree is a decision we make. Whether we think about it or not, our process includes our experiences and what we have learned.

The only other factor that can, and should, be added is God. If we are truly open to hearing God weigh in on our decision and seek his guidance in prayer, he will answer us. This applies to all our decisions. But in the passage below, Jesus is specifically speaking of discipline within the church. When the matter of discipline requires our attention, we need to consult God, especially in the church. If we are not consulting God, we are not guaranteed to make the right decision. However, when we do consult God and follow his lead, our decision is ratified in heaven.

It is interesting that Jesus says, “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” We often recite or paraphrase this verse in many settings. However, the context for Jesus’ statement is church discipline. That is not to say that Jesus is not with us in the other situations. It is to say that He is especially interested in guiding us when we must discipline someone within the church.

Disciplining anyone is no fun. It is a challenge for many of us. We do not want to hurt someone else and falsely believe discipline will hurt them. However, it works opposite of our thinking. When we discipline someone in love, seeking their good, and they are willing to learn, discipline does them good rather than harm.

I pray we all are aware of our decision-making process. I pray we choose to include God in all decisions. I pray each one of us will seek God’s guidance for all disciplinary issues we may face in the church. Be aware of your decision-making process. Know discipline is good when done in love.

Matthew 18:18-20 “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.  Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

Seek Reconciliation

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.”

Know the Time

Do you track the time? Are you aware of what is going on around you? Do you try to see the big picture? Have you witnessed the changing of times and eras? Have you noticed the changes in people, your community, and the nation? Or are you so focused on the moment that you miss it?

Many people are wrapped up in the moment. They are wrapped up in their own little world. They miss the bigger picture. They don’t pay attention to what is happening around the world. They even miss what is happening in their community. There have been significant changes happen over the decades.

Most of us have noticed some changes. We can point to airport security after 911. We can point to isolation, distancing, and awareness of the spreading of diseases after COVID. But have we noticed the more subtle things? Hatred and negativity are spewed daily. People have become selfish and self-centered, unlike fifty or sixty years ago, let alone the camaraderie exhibited during the world wars.

People missed what was happening in the first century, too. Paul tells them salvation is nearer than it had ever been. The reason is Jesus came to rescue all of us and to proclaim the good news. God stepped into his creation to save it from itself. We, too, have salvation near us today. It is as near to us as it was to the people of the first century. The darkness the world lived in without God is gone, for God is with us every day. We have an opportunity to live in the light of Jesus.

I pray we all pay attention to what is going on around us. I pray we see the big picture. I pray each one of us knows that salvation is near us, and we accept it and Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Pay attention. See the big picture. Accept salvation. Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Romans 13:11-12a Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is already the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone; the day is near.

Fulfill the Law

Are you a by the book person? Do your emotions ricochet from one extreme to another? Do you function well in structured organizations? Do you prefer to have flexibility to do as you see fit? Are you good at following instructions or prefer to give them?

Each of us has our own personality and preferences. We work better in some environments and not as well in others. Some need oversight and guidance while others are self-starters and take initiative. All of us need to learn to take instruction from God and follow it.

The primary instruction we receive from God is to love. Jesus tells us we are love God with our entire being. He followed that up by saying we are to love our neighbor. Paul reiterates Jesus’ teaching by saying we are to love one another. He rattles off the things we are not to do as documented in the ten commandments in Romans 13:9. But more importantly, he states that loving one another fulfills the law.

Why is that important? If we ever wonder if we are following God’s will, we simply need to ask ourselves if we are loving one another. We demonstrate our love by not doing wrong to one another but by treating one another well. The love both Jesus and Paul speak of is not an emotional love but a committed love, a love that comes from a decision. We are to consciously decide to love one another today and every day. It is by loving one another that we live in God’s will and fulfill the law he gave thousands of years ago and we are to obey today.

I pray we choose to love one another. I pray we decide to live in God’s will and fulfill his law. I pray each one of us demonstrate our love by consciously deciding to treat one another well. Fulfill God’s law. Live in God’s will. Love one another. Demonstrate your love.

Romans 13:8, 10 Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law…. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Sing a New Song

Who do you sing the praises of? How do you praise? Does your praise include raising your hands, raising your voice, and your spirit soaring? Or is your praise more subtle, just a lifting of your spirit while being subdued on the outside? Does your praise include tears?

We all praise in different ways, whether we are praising our children or praising God. We see some lifting their hands in praise while singing or while praying. We hear some sing out with a loud voice while others are quieter. Regardless of how we praise, God loves it.

Praising God is what we were made for. Many people search their entire lives for their purpose. Our purpose is to praise God. It is really that simple. We make it far more complicated than it needs to be. We get wrapped around our purpose being a profession or a relationship or our giving. Though those are important, they are not our purpose.

The Psalmist tells us to sing a new song. Have you ever started singing words of praise that came to you? Singing, even if only in private, is a great way to praise God. It is a great way to fulfill our purpose. Though we can praise God in prayer, when we sing, our emotions and heart are revealed more powerfully.

The Psalmist also says our praise is to happen in the assembly of the faithful. That assembly is when we come together in worship. It is when we come together, lifting our voices in praise that our praise is multiplied. We become greater than the assembled parts and our praise is multiplied in it. So, praise God together in the assembly.

I pray we all choose to praise God. I pray we sing a new song, if only within our hearts. I pray each one of us will be part of the assembly to worship God together with one multiplied voice. Praise God. Sing a new song. Join in the assembly. Multiply your praise with others.

Psalm 149:1

Praise the Lord! 

Sing to the Lord a new song, 

his praise in the assembly of the faithful.

More Than Victorious

Are you competitive? Do you like to win? Are you seeking a promotion in your job? Do you sometimes feel like a loser? Have you felt like the entire world is against you? Have you wondered when you will finally get a break? Do you know that you are already victorious?

I am a competitive person. I have been all my life. Perhaps you are competitive, too. Maybe you have been competitive for many years. You might have played sports, competed in chess matches, or currently strive to receive a promotion. In all our competitiveness, we often forget we have already won.

The Apostle Paul tells the church in Rome, and us, that we have already won the most important competition (or battle) the world has ever seen. We are more than victorious in Jesus Christ. By accepting Him as our Lord and Savior, we are participants in the greatest victory ever won. Why? This victory is not fleeting. It is not temporary. It is a victory that lasts forever.

Though we may go through lows in which we feel like we are losing, we must remember the victory we have. It is a victory that is freely given to us. It is one we cannot earn or achieve on our own. It is only as we accept and walk with Jesus that we stand in victory.

Paul goes on to say that nothing can wrench the victory from us because nothing can wrench us out of Jesus’ hands. Jesus holds onto us, even when we may stray for a bit. Jesus never leaves us. He continues to walk with us, even if we do not notice Him. Even if we give up on ourselves, Jesus does not.

I pray we all accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. I pray we know that Jesus is always with us. I pray each one of us knows that we are more than victorious in Jesus Christ because of what He has done for us. Accept Jesus as Lord. Accept Jesus as Savior. Jesus is always with you. You are victorious in Jesus.

Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than victorious through him who loved us.

Great Guidance Part 4

As we have walked through the Apostle Paul’s list of guidance we have seen quite a list. He continues his list through the end of Romans 12. It is a list full of guidance to live by, but not easy to do. Today we take a look at a few more of Paul’s bits of guidance.

Paul says we are not to repay evil for evil. We are not to be vengeful. We are not to take matters into our own hands. This goes against our desire to see the other person pay for what they have done. Our human nature wants our own version of justice.

Rather than seeking revenge, we are to set our minds on what is noble. Paul is talking about high moral character. To be honorable in all that we do. We are to have an excellent character, one that is above reproach. Our principles are to be of the highest moral character. By having a noble character, we will gain respect from others.

We are to live peaceably with others as far as it depends on us. We are to be the peacemakers. Rather than purposely ruffling feathers, we are to smooth them. We may not be able to make peace with everyone, for not everyone wants peace. Yet, we are not to be the one who forgoes peace when it is possible. We are to do everything we can do to maintain the peace. To get along with everyone.

I pray we all read Paul’s guidance. I pray we seek to live by it to the best of our ability. I pray each one of us will strive to live peaceably with others and be of noble character. Do not repay evil for evil. Think on what is noble. Live peaceably with others.

Romans 12:17-18 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Great Guidance Part 3

The Apostle Paul continues to rattle off his guidance. Some of it is hard to swallow. We are to bless those who persecute us. We are not to curse them. In a culture that seeks immediate revenge for any offense, this is nearly unimaginable. Yet it follows Jesus’ command to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39).

He then says we are to rejoice with those who rejoice. We may or may not want to rejoice. If it is a family member or friend, we are likely to join in rejoicing with them. However, if it is a competition we lose, we may not want to rejoice with the victor.

We are to weep with those who weep. Commiserating with one another demonstrates compassion. We all need compassion from time-to-time. We experience sorrow, emotional pain, and loss. Sitting quietly with someone experiencing sorrow is the best thing we can do.

Paul says we are to live in harmony. Harmony does not mean we all play the same note. Think about it. It is the right combination of different notes that make up a chord on a piano or guitar. The voices of a choir are made up of sopranos, basses, tenors, and altos. It is the harmony that makes beautiful music.

Arrogance can ruin a friendship. It can immediately cause people to dislike you. Spending time with the lowly is not something we readily do. Not many of us volunteer in a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter. It is the poor kid with only a couple change of clothes that is made fun of. But that is not what Paul calls on us to do.

He continues by stating we are not to claim to be wiser than we are. This is akin to saying do not think more highly of yourself than you should. We like to think we know it all. We like to think we know what is best. However, none of us know it all. We are better when we listen to others, think through what we have heard, discuss option, and determine the best way forward collectively.

I pray we all choose to listen to Paul and consider his guidance. I pray we decide to apply it in our lives. I pray each one of us will commit to being more like Jesus. Bless others. Rejoice. Be compassionate. Live in harmony. Do not be arrogant. Help those in need. Listen before speaking.

Romans 12:14-16 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.

Great Guidance Part 2

As we continue to read through Paul’s guidance in Romans 12, we first see that we are rejoice in hope. Rejoicing includes celebration and being filled with joy. It is different than being happy. Hope is not wishful thinking but being confident in the promises of God and assured of him fulfilling them.

Paul then states that we are to be patient in affliction. Patience is difficult. We want what we want, and we want it now. Our culture is one of instant gratification. Affliction includes being in pain, perhaps misery. So, we are to trust God and patiently wait for him as we are suffering.

A very important reminder is to persevere in prayer. Paul purposely states this following his guidance to be patient in affliction. Our patience and perseverance come through prayer. It is not that we do nothing; we pray, asking God to intervene, asking him to strengthen us. Our prayers should always start with thanking God for his blessings. As we thank him, peace fills us.

Contribute to the needs of others is an important admonition. As Paul states, we are to do so for both those in the body of Christ and strangers. There are more people in need today than there has been in decades. The needs include food, clothing, and shelter. But it doesn’t end there. People desperately need to know Jesus, even if they do not realize that is their need. As we humbly serve them, we are given an opportunity to share the good news with them, the news that can change their lives.

I pray we all hold on to the hope we have in Jesus. I pray we are patient and persevere in prayer. I pray each one of us will seek to help those in need and tell them the good news of Jesus. Hold on to hope. Be patient. Persevere in prayer. Help those in need. Speak the good news.

Romans 12:12-13 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.

Great Guidance Part 1

The second half of Romans 12 is full of great guidance from the Apostle Paul. He rattles off one directive after another for thirteen verses. If we were to live only by the guidance in these verses, we would be declared saints. There would be no one like us in our community.

He starts of by saying our love must be genuine. Though that may sound simple, it is not. Just take a moment and think about it. How many people do you know that fake loving others? We all know at least someone, even if we do not know them well. Our love cannot be fake.

Paul continues by saying we are to hate evil. Again, it sounds simple. But do we hate the evil of our favorite sins? If we don’t, we are not fully hating evil. For every sin, every vengeful act, every hateful retort, every malicious thought are evil. We cannot simply view evil as being equal to criminal.

We are to hold on to what is good. Jesus tells us that no one is good except God. Holding on to God is exactly what we should do. Paul also tells us outdo one another in honoring one another. How do we honor? It is not just saying good things about one another. It includes deferring to the others, putting others ahead of us, and serving others with humility. We cannot honor someone else if we think we are better than them.

This is just the beginning of the list Paul gives us. Tomorrow, we will continue our walk through the list.

I pray we all choose to love one another genuinely. I pray we hate evil, especially the evil we fall prey to. I pray each one of us will hold on to good and honor one another with humility. Love one another genuinely. Hate what is evil. Hold on to good. Show honor to one another.

Romans 12:9-10 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.