“Kingdom Principles for Reconciliation”
Matthew 18:15-35
“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.” [Matthew 18:15]
Kingdom principles are the theme of Matthew 18. The first principle at the beginning of Chapter was humility. The greatest in the Kingdom are humble. “Therefore whoever humbles himself as a little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus not only taught this; He displayed it by washing His disciples’ feet [ref. Jn 13:1-7]. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” [Mk 10:45]
In the latter part of Matt 18 Jesus described two more Kingdom principles: Correcting a brother when he has sinned against you and then forgiving him. These Kingdom principles go hand-in-hand. If they are practiced with humility, the church will thrive.
Notice that Jesus used the word “church” in v. 17, “And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.” The interesting thing is that the church had yet to be established at this point in Matthew. Jesus foresaw problems of sin in the church and therefore gave guidance on how to handle them.
Firstly, go one-on-one to the brother that has offended you. Secondly, “if that brother will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word might be established.” [Matt 18:16] Thirdly, if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. Finally, “if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” [Matt 18:17]
Notice that this process allows for no gossip! God hates gossip! [ref. Prov 6:16-19; Jms 1:26]. Notice, too, that upon the heels of correcting sin [ref. Matt 18:15-20] comes forgiveness. “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” [Matt 18:22]
Kingdom living never condones sin. It seeks to correct it and then forgive the sinner.
Confession and forgiveness are Kingdom principles that precede reconciliation, confession on the side that has sinned, forgiveness on the side that has been sinned against.
Both are key spiritual principles in Kingdom life and are especially effective in the life of a local fellowship
