Friday, April 19, 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)

Notice the goal of Jesus’ teaching on conflict resolution. What is the desired outcome? The ultimate aim is not to score points, or to put the other person in their place, or to get something off your chest. The goal is not to make them realize how wrong they were and how right you were. It is not to fix them or punish them. The objective is to restore the relationship, to “win them over.” Reconciliation is the whole point.

Reconciliation is the only legitimate reason to have this kind of difficult conversation with someone. If you aren’t ready for reconciliation, then you aren’t ready to confront the other person about the offense – the conversation will just lead to more conflict. If you just want to win the fight, things will stay ugly between you and the other person. But there is hope if you join God in working toward reconciliation.

Live the Word

Ask God to make you aware of anyone he wants you to approach to seek reconciliation of a relationship, and ask him to give you the strength for any difficult conversations that may be necessary.