In Harmony With Jesus

 

Matthew 18:15-20

Dealing With Sin in the Church

¹⁵ “If your brother or sister sins, 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.’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 bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be 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 a Christian community to be effective, there must be peace and harmony within it, as Jesus points out. If  harmony is not present, then efforts should be made to establish it. It's worth the effort for Jesus will then be able to be present. Perhaps a good look at my relationships today might reveal the need for some "shoring up" or reconciliation. May Jesus help us find harmony before it gets too late.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, your plan is for us to leave in peace and harmony with Jesus and one another.  Bless and guide my efforts to do so. Amen.