#Sermonlesson Conflict resolution according to Jesus

Matt 18:15-20


This is a very familiar passage of the Gospel of Matthew that every Christian should know.  Jesus is telling His Disciples how they are to deal with strife and disagreements within their community.  Jesus says:




"If another member of the church{ or community} sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church {or community}, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. "


This is how we Christians are to deal with small sins against each other. At first we are instructed to talk with the person whom we feel has offended us. If that does not resolve the issue, the next step { according to Jesus}is to take one or two other community members with you and talks with the person AGAIN. And if this approach fails, then we are to bring the community into the conflict resolution. And if THAT fails, then Scripture says that we are to treat the offender as one would a 'Gentile or tax collector'. That is, we are to figuratively or literally " cast him or her out".


How many communities of any kind follow this model of conflict resolution?  how many even TRY to follow this model? In my opinion, far too few human communities  Too often we humans would rather gossip behind our friends, family members and work associate's backs than respectfully approach him or her with our complaint.  Admit it---all of us are guilty of this sin. Those of us who are Christians know better yet still we persist in backhanded " conflict resolution" that too often creates bigger and more numerous conflicts.


Why? Why can we not live honestly together and be open to authenticity? What good does backhanded, gossipy "conflict resolution do in the long run? Are we REALLY in such pain that we seek to hurt our sister & fellow community members just because we do not agree with them?


It is not popular to tell the truth in this society. When one is living or working in a community, decision-makers especially  rarely take well to being called out on their misdeeds. Bosses do not wish to be told by their subordinates that their business practices are unethical. Teachers do not wish students to tell them that they are teaching according to a particular political agenda. The list  can go on & on....


Yet in order to live authentic lives as members of communities, we must be open to practicing Jesus' model of conflict resolution.


Amen.