“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.”
Matthew 18:15
My husband has coached volleyball for 30 years at high schools and colleges. He’s seen a lot of success born out of his commitment to developing the right relational culture within his teams. “Respect Everyone, Fear No One” has been his motto for his players. But when conflict arises, as it inevitably will in any relationship or community, he draws solidly from biblical principles.
In Matthew 18 Jesus teaches how to deal lovingly when there are offenses among believers. The motto here could be, “Respect Others, Remember Your Fear of the Lord.” We recognize the Lord’s powerful nature but also His loving workings in our hearts. So complaining and speaking behind someone’s back are not options. We are to keep matters of disagreement private, giving an offender the opportunity to see his mistake while preserving dignity and unity.
We can take these thoughts into our marriages. Approach conflicts without bitterness and with respect. Forgive and do so lovingly because we know the multitude of sins our perfect Bridegroom has forgiven in us.
In Matthew 18 Jesus teaches how to deal lovingly when there are offenses among believers. The motto here could be, “Respect Others, Remember Your Fear of the Lord.” We recognize the Lord’s powerful nature but also His loving workings in our hearts. So complaining and speaking behind someone’s back are not options. We are to keep matters of disagreement private, giving an offender the opportunity to see his mistake while preserving dignity and unity.
We can take these thoughts into our marriages. Approach conflicts without bitterness and with respect. Forgive and do so lovingly because we know the multitude of sins our perfect Bridegroom has forgiven in us.
Scripture Focus
Matthew 18:15-17
Insight
“Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:15) and be held together as one.
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 37-38
- Psalm 89
- Acts 11-12