Christianity is a community of relationships, and can experience hurt just like all families. What are we to do when relationships go south? This session will help us to…
- List three reasons why relationships should be restored immediately.
- Explain what action to take if you are the offender.
- Identify six steps to take when you are offended.
- Describe the role of a peacemaker.
CHRISTIANITY IS ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS:
Our relationship with Christ is the binding factor among believers; he binds us together.
- Jesus paid the penalty for our sin and restored broken relationship to God (Romans 5:1).
- Jesus makes it possible to have right relationships with other believers (1 John 4:21).
- Jesus confirms that we are saved if we love one another (1 John 3:14, John 13:34-35).
- Jesus expects us to love one another in word and in deed (1 John 3:18).
Read Matthew 20:20-24
- With whom were the disciples angry?
- Why were the disciples angry?
Read 1 John 1:7
- What is the source of Christian fellowship?
- What cleanses (or restores) that relationship?
CORRECTIVE ACTION:
Why action is needed:
- Wrong relationships with others effects our relationship with God.
- 1 John 4:20-21
- Matthew 6:14-15
- We are commanded to restore broken relationships.
- Matthew 5:23-24
- John 15:12
- We restore broken relationship to not hinder our witness to the unsaved world.
- John 13:34-35
- 2 Corinthians 5:18
The danger of not taking action:
- Hebrews 12:15
- Matthew 5:23-24
What must the offender do?
- 1 John 1:9 – Confession brings forgiveness.
- Luke 19:8 – Restitution is a real possibility.
What must the offender do? We may be tempted to put it off (Matthew 18:15-17).
- A Christian brother offends you.
- Go to the offender and seek reconciliation.
- If the two of you agree, the relationship is restored.
- If the offender refuses to be reconciled, take two or three friends with you to seek reconciliation.
- If the presence of you and witness does not accomplish reconciliation, take the matter to the church.
- If the offender still refuses to heed the counsel of the church, treat him as a lost person in need of redemption.
What NOT to do:
- Believe the offender is no longer your brother.
- Believers in the church can engage in acts of bitterness, vindictiveness, revenge, or alienation.
- Believers deserve the benefit of the doubt, rather then face to face condemnation.
Our Attitude should be:
- Love for the brother.
- Deep concern for the brother and the relationship.
- Admit your part of the conflict.
- Find a spiritual issue underlying the problem.
- Prayerful concern for all involved.
- Allow the witnesses to provide wise counsel and observations.
The Peacemaker: a mature believer who is objective and Spirit-led (Galatians 6:1)
When you have exhausted all means at your disposal, you are cleansed and free from guilt. Forgive the other person without reservation. Forgiveness never says what they did is okay, but you will never hold it over them any longer; you are set free from grudges and bitterness.
End the process as you started it, in worship of God. Ask God to reveal to you anyone that you may have offended and need to seek restoration.