What do we do when somebody does something wrong toward us? How do we handle situations when we’ve been hurt or angered by someone? One way is to ignore that person and have nothing to do with them ever again. Another thing is to gossip about them to others to make yourself feel better and make that person look bad. One could also go to that person and tell them what for in anger and ugliness.
But none of the ways previously mentioned are how God wants us to handle these kinds of situations. God wants us to seek reconciliation. Peace. Love. Forgiveness. Look at how Jesus told us we should handle situations in which we have been wronged or hurt in Matthew 18:15-17.
“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.” This is how we should first deal with a problem we have with someone. Keep it between you two alone. Don’t go gossip or complain badly to others. Go to that person and let them know what they did or what you didn’t appreciate. Hopefully they will be willing to hear you out and acknowledge what they did wrong. If they won’t listen to you then look at the next step.
“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.” Now the goal here is NOT to gang up on that person to bully him into apologizing. It isn’t about putting that person down. It is about taking others with you who will help you plead with that person in love to make things right. So that others know that you are actually trying to make things right. If that doesn’t work then move on to the next step.
“If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church.” Is that to make them look bad in front of everybody? Absolutely not. It is so even more people can encourage, admonish, and pray. And so that everyone will know that that person needs to make things right. That you’re still trying to make things right. Unfortunately, if they still don’t listen then there’s only one thing to do.
“And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” When someone absolutely refuses to repent and make things right, there is nothing more you can do. All you can do is move on. Leave that person alone. Pray for them that one day they will come to their senses. Do not be ugly to them. Do not hate them. Admonish them as a brother. Love them. Hope for reconciliation to come.
How will you handle the next time someone does wrong against you? Will you do it your way? Or God’s way? Make sure to do it God’s way. God’s way is the only way that works. It is the way of righteousness. It is the way of eternal life.
A Cord of Blue 