One of the strategies Satan deploys as his weapon is to generate disputes among brethren. This can affect in several ways leading to resentment and division in either a family or a church and stall development and growth. Remember, he is the accuser of the brethren.Jesus Christ being aware of the great harm or havoc disputes can generate gave us guidelines for the settlement of disputes
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- If your brother sins against you go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately between the two of you.
- Secondly, but if he will not listen to you take one or two other persons with you so that every accusation may be upheld by the testimony of two or more witnesses as the scripture says.
- Thirdly, if he will not listen to them then tell the elders of the church.
- Finally, if he doesn’t listen to them he should be treated as a pagan or a tax collector.
If such disputes are settled peacefully then whatever we permit or disallow on earth shall be permitted or disallowed in heaven. Whatsoever we ask from God, once there is agreement God will grant our request because where two or three are gathered together in God’s name he is there.
However,there are very difficult people everywhere. Even where they have sinned against you they would rather want you to come and apologize to them. Perhaps, it is in this context that Peter had to ask his question as to how many times we should forgive our brother if he keeps sinning against us and Jesus replied 77 x 7. Imagine counting the number of times an individual can offend you. No man is patient enough to number them to 77 x 7 times. As such forgiveness should be there for all who sin against us. It is only the spirit of God which can help us to keep on forgiving such persons. Jesus Christ must be our model.
Matthew 18:21-22
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
No one mastered the art of dealing with difficult people better than Jesus Christ. Herod wanted to kill him so his parents had to flee to Egypt so that his life could be spared. The religious leaders’ scribes, Pharisees all envied him because of his knowledge and wisdom and the miracles he performed. They even accused him of being possessed by Belzebub.
His family thought he was queer and his towns people rejected him. Judas betrayed him. Thomas doubted him. The soldiers beat him. The crowds shouted for his crucifixion, and all his close friends rejected him and ran away for their dear lives yet he never said any harsh word against anyone.
He did not retaliate when he was insulted nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of the God who always judges fairly (1 Peter 2:20 – 23 NLT) and you are called to follow his steps.
God Bless You.