Untie the Knot
CONNECTION
How old were you when you first learnt to tie shoelaces? Was it hard to learn? Have you or your parents ever had to cut them as they were impossible to untie?
To tie a shoelace you need a pattern. A child learns through repetitive practice, and it becomes second nature. Today we look at the conflict resolution pattern Jesus gives. It may be difficult at first, but it will give the most effective results when approached with compassion towards your friend or spouse.
BIBLE
Matthew 18:15-17 (ESV):
If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him ALONE. If he listens to you, you have GAINED your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
What jumps out to you when you read this?
QUESTIONS
A. GO AND TELL PRIVATELY
Why can we find this difficult and what tips can we give each other to help us approach these conversations?
Make sure it’s the right time, not when you are stepping into a meeting, tired, late at night, etc. I should explain what they did to me, how it made me feel felt and give them time to explain what was happening with them. Jesus clearly says if they SIN use this pattern, and not everything that people do to us is sin (them not ringing me for a week is not sin). We must be careful not to take offence at personality issues and faults. Remember “you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.”
B. Take someone with you to help resolve and reconcile the issue – sometimes we need a mediator to be impartial and bring wisdom to the situation.
C. Take it to church leadership – in rare instances people’s behaviour can cause safety concerns, cause people to “stumble” or cause bitterness.
DISCIPLESHIP IN ACTION
Scripture memorisation: Memorising bible verses will increase your faith, help you navigate life’s challenges, give you wisdom in business dealings and relationships, and so much more.
Psalm 119:97-100
“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.”
Billy Graham once said, “The Bible is the only thing that combats the devil. Quote the scripture, and the devil will run.”
Memorising scripture is easy – take our main text for this theme or any scripture you want, but keep it short, save it on your phone, stick it on your fridge or on your bathroom mirror and read it 10 times every day for a week, it will literally take seconds to do but it will an amazing impact especially as you begin to “mull” (meditate) over it, then start to apply it to your life. The following week starts again with a new scripture.
