Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Listen to the Word

“If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”  (Matthew 18:15)

When there is conflict in a relationship, Jesus challenges you to be the one to own responsibility and take the initiative for reconciliation. He says it is your job to seek to make things right. We don’t like to do this. We get caught up in assigning blame, and we wait for the other person to admit their fault. But in this week’s Scripture, Jesus says though the other person is the one who has sinned, you are the one responsible to work toward restoration.

Interestingly, in Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus describes a situation in which you have caused offense and are apparently the one at fault. In that case he says it is also your responsibility to take the initiative to reconcile the relationship. Whether you are the person in the wrong or the victim (and in most situations of conflict you will be a little bit of both), Jesus tells you to take responsibility for making things right.

Live the Word

Ask God to give you the courage to take the initiative in healing a damaged relationship.