Happy Wednesday! Some of the toughest conversations to have with people are corrective or confrontational discussions. For some it is easy, but for me,  I always found it easier to turn around and walk away. Did that solve anything, sometimes but did it sincerely resolve the issue, usually not because I had not expressed the root issue that was driving the discomfort. While we may not have the opportunity to or ability to address those offenses, Jesus gives us a few guidelines to follow in Matthew. Enjoy today’s reading. 

^“15 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. ¹⁶ But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. ¹⁷ If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17 NLT

Brothers and sisters, sin is everywhere but we should not be actively engaged in it. The Lord is aware and he is faithful to forgive, but we must have a willing heart to turn away from those sins. While guiding your fellow brother and sister to turn away from their sins, repent as well for your own sins and ask God to strengthen you so that you are not caught up in the same sin as the person you are trying to guide out of sin. Stay vigilant in prayer and put on your full armor. 

Also note, if that friend or person doesn’t want to turn away from their sins, leave it to the Lord and keep praying for that sister or brother. As a wise person stated, “our greatest battles are fought on our knees.” Keep praying. 

Father God, in the name of Jesus we ask for your forgiveness for our sins (known and unknown) against you. Lord, cover us and give us your power to walk away from the things that do not please you or provide a good witness. Lord, you know exactly what we struggle with, you know exactly what our friends, family and neighbors struggle with and we ask in the name of Jesus that you set us free from the sin that rages in the world and within us. Lord, equip us to stand firm on your words and promises. Lord, help us to speak truth in a world that prefers the untruth. Lord, help us to declare victory in our life over the enemy because You are victorious over all things. Lord, build us up in our faith so that we may be pleasing to you and bring more believers into the kingdom. Lord, heal the broken families, bring back the wayward child, restore marriages and bring peace on the job and in our schools. Keep changing us. In Jesus name, amen. 

Keep praying! Keep seeking! Keep trusting!

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