Introduction

Good morning, Church family. Today, we're going to dive deep into an often overlooked but profoundly powerful passage of Scripture. This passage presents the blueprint for repairing wrongdoing in relationships. It's not a comfortable topic, but it's a crucial one.

As Rick Warren once said, "Christianity is not a religion or a philosophy, but a relationship and a lifestyle. The core of that lifestyle is thinking of others, as Jesus did, instead of ourselves."

With that in mind, let's examine Matthew 18:15-20, where Jesus lays out a clear process for repairing relationships:

The Necessity

In the grand tapestry of life, relationships form the threads that weave together to create the intricate patterns and designs that make up our existence. Relationships, in their various forms, are the lifeblood of our human experience. They are the vessels through which love, joy, support, and growth flow. However, like any vessel, relationships can become damaged, and when they do, it's essential to repair them. This is not just a suggestion, but a necessity, as highlighted in the scripture we are exploring today.

A reflection of our relationship with God: As believers, we are called to love one another as God loves us. When a relationship is damaged by wrongdoing, it distorts this divine reflection. It's like a mirror that has been cracked; it no longer accurately reflects the image before it. By repairing the wrongdoing, we restore the mirror, allowing it to once again reflect God's love accurately.

For personal growth and spiritual maturity: When we wrong others, it's often a manifestation of our own shortcomings, weaknesses, or blind spots. By acknowledging our wrongdoing and seeking to make amends, we confront these areas of our lives that need growth and transformation. It's a painful process, but one that refines us, much like gold is refined in the fire.

For the health of the community: Unresolved issues and unhealed wounds can fester, leading to bitterness, division, and discord within the community. By addressing and repairing wrongdoing, we promote peace, unity, and harmony, which are essential for the community's wellbeing.

For a powerful testimony to the world: In a world where relationships are often discarded at the first sign of trouble, a commitment to repair and restore relationships stands out. It's a testament to the power of love, forgiveness, and grace. It's a living demonstration of the gospel message.

It aligns us with God's heart: God is a God of reconciliation. He went to great lengths to repair the broken relationship between humanity and Himself, even to the point of sending His Son to die on the cross. When we repair wrongdoing in our relationships, we reflect God's heart and participate in His reconciliatory work.

The Process

In the passage from Matthew, Jesus provides a clear and straightforward process for mending relationships that have been damaged by sin or wrongdoing ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO