Matthew 18:15: Not an Easy Task for the Family

Matthew 18:15: "If your brother of sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.  If they listen to you, you have won them over."

The assumption is that there is a thin line between rebuking in love and judging.  However, this is a flawed supposition because judging is something only done by God while rebuking in love is a matter for loved one, namely, family and friends.  In terms of the aforementioned verse, we are called to challenge our fellow Christians to live in holiness and obedience.  Yet it must be asserted that this verse addresses the proposition presupposing that the Christian must point out their brother's and sister's fault, not out of self-pride or domineering power, but of love both for the other and, more so, for God.  But this rebuking arises not out of opinionated self-righteousness but from a sincere love for the other.  In fact, any instance of telling another person about their perceived faults must come from a place of authentic devotion and compassion.  Implied in this transaction is that the one rebuking and the one rebuked do, in actuality, possess a relationship of love and of closeness that warrants such direct correction as discipline of this sort is.  Let us then take heed the words of Christ as we strive to love God and our brothers and sisters with an eye to heaven and holiness.

Getting Right wth Family

For those who may not know me all that well, my youth was not always spent on the straight and narrow.  In fact, most of my youth happened in the brush and brire that rest outside of that good path.  As a result of my earnest wanderings, I often found myself in self-made messes and lacking a mop or broom to clean up my life.

One such instance will stick with me for all my life because it etches into my memory what real family is made of. While the particulars of this mess shall remain nameless, suffice to say that I had made some  mistakes that came to a head one late evening, which resulted in an wholly-deserved, amplified vocalic thrashing from my father.

As my dad was giving me an ear and heart full, and the crescendo of his admonition was approaching, my father grabbed me by the collar and looked directly into my eyes.  My father said something that has burned inside of me ever since and speaks to his God-given wisdom.  He said: "Look, I'm gonna know you for the rest of my life, so d*$%it, we're going to work this out and love eachother."

On this day holiday weekend, I pray that we would all seek out our family and love them.  Reconcile with those with whom there is tension, and care for those who are crestfallen.  This is my simple prayer.  And remember to always praise God for the good blessings that He has given us!