Matthew 18:15-17 (HCSB) - "If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he won't listen, take one or two more with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established. If he pays no attention to them, tell the church. But if he doesn't pay attention even to the church, let him be like an unbeliever and a tax collector to you.
These few verses provide a step-by-step process on how to handle conflict with our fellow believers, Christians. The steps seem very straight forward, no ‘ifs,’ ands,’ or ‘buts’ about what to do in a conflict situation amongst Christians. Right? Well let us re-examine it again. The person, who would follow this, does not have an ulterior motive and has put all in God’s hands, not theirs. They are truly letting God lead their steps. See, if you have not done so the next issue to address is difficult to face. Is there anything in these verses that state, the person you are speaking will not have anything to present? No! It says if he listens to you, you have won your brother. This also means you listen to him, resolution is accomplish when we communicate, communications requires listening and talking. See, even though you do not intend to do so, you might have offended or sin against your brother unknowingly; remember we are not perfect and are all accountable to one another. We should be open to the possibly. However, this can only happen, if we go in with God’s understanding, not man logic. Not getting caught up in pettiness or competitive nature of besting one another. Rather, to find the resolution where all parties are granted grace and forgiveness to move forward and onward with their lives are possible. Now, this does not mean you do not have to deal with the natural consequences from your actions. There are some natural consequences of our actions, even if we are granted forgiveness, and few times are we given a ‘get out of jail’ free card.
