Dealing with Broken Relationships

PRAY OVER THIS

Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

Matthew 18:15 and Galatians 6:1

 

READ THIS

Broken relationships in the church are a very painful problem that disgraces God and discourages a community of believers. There is nothing worse than a church without harmony and there is nothing better than a church with harmony. In Matthew 18, Jesus explained how to heal broken relationships.

First, we must consider our relationship with the person who has sinned against us.

If he is a brother in Christ, we are members of the same body; harming him harms us. If he is lost, he needs our pity and prayers all the more; regardless, he is to be loved no matter what.

Next, we must remember our responsibility to make it right between us (Galatians 6:1). We have to ask ourselves: Are we sinning in a similar way? Have we been praying for that person and setting a good example?

CONSIDER THIS

How do you typically respond to broken relationships in the church? Is your approach biblical? Why or why not?

How does the fact that Jesus has reconciled your broken relationship with the Father change the way you think about reconciling with others?

DO THIS

Pray about ways you might seek to reconcile with others in the church this week. Write down the specific steps you need to take toward healing a broken relationship.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers