If I Don't, Who Will?
I avoid conflict. All those neat, little quizzes back up my claim. Unfortunately, God never meant me to leave unresolved issues hanging between me and another Christian. To help me overcome my reticence, the Lord provided a formula for reconciliation, three simple steps to follow. 1. Even when the other person is at fault, I am the one who needs to go personally to seek resolution (Matthew 18:15). 2. If my brother, or sister, is not willing to listen, then I need to try again but this time with the help of one or two others who will be witnesses to the problem and the impasse that exists between us (Matthew 18:16). 3. If this second step doesn't bring about resolution, then I need to ask the church to intercede on our behalf (Matthew 18:17). If this step fails, it is assumed that the person involved is not a believer at all and is to be treated as such. Even heaven can't release me from the chains of unresolved conflict if I don't do my part: " I tell you the truth, wh...