In the church, it is almost inevitable that we will do something at least once that results in one of our fellow believers a bit angry with a wrong that has been done towards them. We obviously do not want to do anything to sin against our brothers in the church, but in the event that it does happen it is very important that it is resolved promptly, that penitence be on one side and forgiveness be on the other.
However, should someone refuse to be filled with sorrow and penitence after they are made known of the fact that they have sinned against one of their fellow Christians, there are some things that the Lord teaches need to take place.
The first step that happens is of course the initial moment where the offender is made known of what it is that they have done wrong. That is very important, because until someone has been notified of their sins they may not realize that they have sinned against someone else. Hopefully this first step is all that it will take to bring about a peaceful end to any ill feelings and dis-harmony between the two people, but if not then the Lord teaches that it needs to be truth a step further.
Should a person refuse to acknowledge their sin that they have done against another, and refuse to apologize, Jesus taught that the offended party should take with them another person or two and tell that person again of their sin. The hope is that in the presence of another person or two that they will begin to feel ashamed of their unwillingness to repent, and will finally recognize that. But if they still will not admit their sin, then Jesus taught to take it another step further; before the entire church.
Matthew 18:15-18 “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
In the church, we should all be out the same mind, and of the same Spirit. We should all be united under the same doctrine of Christ, because there is only one. So, if it has to come to this point and this matter of unrepentant is still unresolved, Jesus taught that the matter needed to be brought before the entire church, for everyone to see. This really is the final step that can be taken, because if someone, even before the entire church, still refuses to repent of their sin against their fellow Christian believer, then there is nothing else to do than completely remove them from the church and treat them as a complete unbeliever.
Forgiveness is one of the main points that our faith is founded on. It is because of Jesus’ forgiveness that one can now have the opportunity to have everlasting life, and this is why it is imperative that forgiveness takes place, especially amongst the church.
John 14:21-24 “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.”
In order for someone to make the claim that they love the Lord, they obviously need to show that they are keeping His commandments. That is the proof of their love for Him. Faith can be shown by your actions. Love can be shown by your actions, and how you treat others. This is why in order to prove that you truly love the Lord you need to be able to be forgiving with others. If you don’t forgive, how can you say that you love Jesus, when that is exactly what He commands you to do?
There is no place for sin in the church. We all may sin, at times, but it is forgiveness that takes it away. We do not continue to sin if we really love Jesus, and we do not refuse forgiveness to those who are truly repentant. Hear the word of the Lord:
Matthew 6:9-15 “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.“
Please be forgiving. Please, if you love the Lord, hear Him. Forgive.
In Christ
Andrew
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