Chosen by God!

To live in God’s will, we are to demonstrate Christlike love to our enemies. This principle applies to fellow believers, who for reasons, I believe the enemy sets up to destroy unity within the Body of Christ, can see, or be seen as enemies. As believers it should never come to this but sadly it does. The Word is clear on how we should handle our disputes, disagreements, misunderstandings, and straight out attacks. We are not to respond in kind but walk in love.

“If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault, between you and him privately. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed and upheld by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a pagan and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17 AMPC)

Matthew 18:15-17 gives clear steps to follow in order to restore fellowship and unity between believers. We are to go to our brother privately to rebuke and resolve the issue. That means communicate with them about what’s going on. It’s not a time to pick up the phone or go on social media to air your differences or make accusations. These tactics are not designed to restore unity but to continue fractures. People cannot fix what they don’t know is broken. If this doesn’t work your next step is to bring witnesses to try and resolve the issues. If this doesn’t work you tell the church and if that does not resolve the issues then the brother or sister is to be treated like an unbeliever and a tax collector. While this is harsh it is necessary to keep dissension out of the Body of Christ. Believers should not be warring with each other. That is a distraction as it keeps us from warring with the enemy.

I stand amazed at believers that are unwilling to resolve issues. Resolution does not mean a restoration to the former relationship but a restoration to fellowship. When believers are unwilling to confront these type of issues it not only impacts those involved it also impacts others, especially if you are in leadership or in ministry. When we cannot resolve issues between each other God cannot bless and increase what we are doing in His Name. God honors obedience. So while we may be hurt by others words and actions God’s Word is clear on how that is to be handled. We can’t get it twisted because the Holy Spirit will never tell us do something that is opposite of the Word. The Word is clear that He won’t even hear our prayers or accept our gifts until we make it right with our brother or sister. To think otherwise is to be deceived by the enemy.

Be Encouraged! ❤

Leisa Wilkins Ministries

"Encouraging and Empowering you to become who God created you to be, God's Masterpiece, a Divine Original!"

Pastor | Author | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Encourager

www.leisawilkins.com