October 2, 2026
Friday, October 2
How do we make peace with someone who has hurt us? How do we maintain the unity of the Body of Christ, and fulfill His command to love one another? Matthew 18:15-17 tells us to take the initiative in pursuing reconciliation, and seek to win the person, not the argument. But there’s one more instruction:
Involve others only when necessary. Jesus said that if the person who hurts you refuses to listen (which I take to mean they will not acknowledge the hurt they’ve caused) “take one or two others with you.” He then references the law of Moses, reminding His disciples, (all of whom were Jews like Him) that even a charge of murder required two witnesses before it could proceed. Getting one or two wise friends involved could break a deadlock. If you’re handling it all wrong, blowing something out of proportion, or confronting them in an off-putting way, these friends will tell you so. And if the other person is resistant to reconciliation, hearing from someone besides you can be more persuasive.
However, remember that the purpose is to win them back, not prove them wrong. Don’t choose people who you know will be on your side. Instead, pick friends who both of you respect. By the way, this only works if you’re involved in a local church beyond mere worship attendance. It means you know who in the congregation is wise and discreet. It also means that part of being a mature disciple is being willing to get involved in these kinds of disputes. Jesus said blessed are the peacemakers. If you know two believers who are at odds, you should do what you can to bring them together.
The last resort is to “tell the church about it.” In a church like ours, that starts with bringing it to a member of the ministry staff. It might be that a visit from one of us could break the logjam. It could even be that church discipline is required. But this is a last resort. And notice what Jesus says we should do if they refuse to listen to the entire church: “let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” How did Jesus treat Gentiles and tax collectors? He loved them. He sought their repentance. From beginning to end, that is the hope: Repentance and reconciliation.
“Lord, you love your people. Help us to love one another well, starting with me. Make me a peacemaker, not a busybody or a bystander. In your holy name, amen.”
Senior Pastor
First Baptist Conroe
More from Pastor Jeff at his website: jeffbergerwriting.com
