Deal with others well (2)

What should we do if someone in our church is behaving in a destructive way? First off, the advice that Jesus gives in Matthew 18:15 is this: go to the person in question and discuss it with them privately. That, right there, is the immediate challenge. No one enjoys controversy, most likely because we don't want to put a relationship, or our niceness reputation, on the line. Part of the issue is that, generally, we'd rather go behind that person's back and explain our annoyance to everyone else but them. They don't deserve that, though, no matter what happened.

So, dealing with it well... Let's continue to follow the model of Matthew 18:15-17. Let the practicality and gentleness of it sink in. Follow the step-by-step cues, from a one-on-one conversation (Matthew 18:15), to two or more addressing the person (Matthew 18:16), to taking it to the church leaders (Matthew 18:17).

It's good to take an issue to leaders before addressing it, but let's not use this as a dumping ground for what is, essentially, gossip. Let's remember to, like Jesus, deal with people with a loving attitude in all circumstances.



So what now? How good are you at talking to people when they've upset you? When someone upsets you, gently, graciously, see how you can talk to them directly (note - them - not your friends or church leadership...). Thank Jesus that he wants to help you deal with people well.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.' Matthew 18:15 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Amos 1:1-5:17, Matt 14:13-21, Ps 117, Pro 14:9-12