“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”
— Matthew 18:15
Hello, Friends. This exhortation is a reminder of how we should handle conflict resolutions. We have learned that it takes courage to go and tell our brother and sister their fault in love and humility … we strive to have each other’s best interests at heart.
Let’s begin….
In order to set the stage to be on one accord in this exhortation we will look at one important definition from the scripture above … it is the phrase “tell him his fault” — it is one Greek word meaning, to confute; to admonish; by word — to demand an explanation.
These words represents acts of love meant to prevent fights or discord against each other … for we know that the enemy and our flesh connive to keep us from obeying the command not to grudge, war, nor fight against one another (James 4:1; 5:9).
Hear what James wrote, “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” — James 3:14-16
We have learned to love one another even in times of disagreements. Let us also be reminded that, he/she who “soweth discord among the brethren” is an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 6:19). The word “discord” refers to quarrels, strifes, and contentions — these things are disgusting to the Lord.
In our key scripture, the one trespassed against has the right to go to their brother/sister to demand (by entreaty) an explanation from the trespasser for what they viewed as an error or (moral) sin allegedly committed against them …and… the one who seemingly trespassed is obligated to explain and strive to clear the air.
You see, it is always good to entreat one another, especially when one feels like the other sinned against, or offended, them. Here, the word “offended” only refers to a stumbling block or emboldenment apparently placed by the alleged offender … (it does not refer to hurting one’s feelings). But, it is a matter of one causing another to stumble and fall away from the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ … whether or not by intent.
If the two talk about the unproven offense—they will likely find the truth of the case in point, overcome the issue, win one another, and spoil the probable advantage of the enemy. We are more than conquerors, folks!
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THE OBJECTIVE—
GAIN THY BROTHER … to win our brother and sister in the Lord is pivotal to our return to walk together in love; to fellowship with one another, and with the Lord Jesus. When we gain or win one another the Lord will be glorified and the enemy will lose his potential advantage over us.
Forgiveness is at the root to gain one another.
I am reminded of what Jesus said, and Paul wrote:
- (Matthew 6:14-15) For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
- (2 Corinthians 2:10-11) To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
We should love to gain and win the brethren! We should also love to forgive one another so that we would be forgiven by the Lord …and… our love toward one another would abound more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.
Forgiveness has a strong effect on our prayer life.
Mark 11:25-26, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
Please, let us put forth every effort to gain, win, and forgive one another. Victory is ours for the taking, and God will be glorified by our love to obey His command to consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works….
More can be discussed on this subject. Your comments and questions are welcomed!
Friends, believe what God said in His word to GAIN THY BROTHER … and live!
In Christ We Do Remain
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