"If another member of the church sins against you..." (Matthew 18:15)

   Sin, conflict, arguments, fights, hurts, pain.  
   Do those words sound famiiliar?  In your marriage...family...at work...in politics... and nation and world...at church?!
   May I answer here for myself?  Because I'll say "Yes" to all of them!  For I certainly see all these problems, in every relationship that I have.
   In this Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus helps us deal with these conflicts.  As Jesus begins in the reading, "If another member of the church sins against you..." (Matthew 18:15)  So at least here in this account, Jesus is concerned with the relationship we have with others in the church.  
   No doubt we'd all be better off if we focused our attention on what's wrong IN the church, more than OUTSIDE the church.  For we certainly have enough problems with sin among us.  
   And the answer the Lord gives to our conflicts inside the church (and really with every relationship) is in repentance and faith.  For as we trust in our Savior, we discover the forgiveness of all sins, and the love and grace that God in Christ extends to ALL people.  And we can share these blessings from God with all, even those who have hurt us, or whom we have hurt.
   May you and I find the source of healing for every relationship in the God who loves and forgives each of us, and gives us the ability to forgive and love others.
 
God Bless,
 
Pastor Steve