Christians in Conflict

Justice, Law, History The Laws of Justice and Mercy Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)  Matthew 18:15-20 New International Version Dealing With Sin in the Church 15 "If your brother or sister[a] sins,[b] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' [c] 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18 "Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be[d] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[e] loosed in heaven. 19 "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." For Reflection If one is in a beloved community and is suffering from something that separates themselves from the blessings of the Holy Spirit, a Christian should attempt to open the path to restoration. If they do not respond, what does it mean to treat them as a pagan or a tax collector? Jesus sat and broke bread with the tax collector. Jesus healed pagans. Jesus did not shun the sinner. If one continues to express love, that love will be sealed in Heaven. So likewise, if one exercises punitive retributions on the "sinner," that action will also be sealed in Heaven. But, it may not be sealed against the sinner. Instead, retributive justice may seal the fate of the Christian who has enacted it against a neighbor. When all else fails, pray amen. Put the conflict and the sinner into God's hands. Continue to love the fallen brother or sister. By your loving action, show them that the sin will not be held against them.     Pray Pray and let the Holy Spirit guide your life. Pray and remember the story of the prodigal son. Pray and recognize the power of prayer to heal your hurt and empower the Holy Spirit, which also resides in the sinner. Forward to a friend