FORGIVENESS OF OFFENSES: Deal with the Conflict

November 11th, 2023

We close this week with our last Devotional on Forgiveness of Offenses. We have all been down this street and our Team has penned some wonderful and timely encouragement for your hearts.

SCRIPTURE: "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5:23-24

“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. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector." Matthew 18:15-17

Relationships in the world breed conflicts because light and darkness can never have lasting harmony. However, in the Body of Christ we must resolve issues as quickly as possible lest Satan get a foothold and we become vulnerable and build strongholds in our thinking. “KaBoom!” an emotional opening (i.e., need attention, retaliation, hurt feelings, insecurities, resentment, etc.) and now I isolate or hide my real heart issues – unforgiveness.

God desires that we deal with conflict with the smallest amount of people – go and tell him/her their fault just between the two of you. If you are going to share the conflict with someone, make sure that they are spiritually minded and will counsel you to do the right thing. If the conflict can be resolved and there is reconciliation, praise God! However, if there is no reconciliation and the unity of the body is threatened, then we must follow the Scriptural instruction in Matthew 18 by seeking leadership involvement.

A little boy, being asked what forgiveness is, gave this beautiful answer: “It is the odor that flowers breathe when they are trampled upon.” Oh, how our Lord was trampled upon for our sins and yet forgives us as we come to Him and confess our sins. To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was YOU!

Prayer: Precious Lord as You forgive me over and over for my sins, I choose and seek Your strength and conviction to forgive others as You have forgiven me. May I demonstrate Your love and forgiveness because it truly is medicine for my soul. Thank You Jesus for truth!!
By Sis. Cheryl Torain