August 9, 2006
Storm Before The Calm
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If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. —Matthew 6:14
The small church was struggling, and everyone knew why. Two elderly church members had a conflict, and the people had divided their loyalties between them, which made any kind of progress impossible. They blatantly disregarded Jesus’ instructions on forgiving others (Matthew 6:14).
A new pastor came to the church and spent several weeks teaching about forgiveness and trust. For a while, the people stuck to their divided loyalties and continued to slog along in their stagnant pool of distrust.
After much prayer, the pastor felt directed by the Lord to take action. So during a morning service, he called on the two men to stand and then asked them to forgive each other. He knew that if the church were ever to have peace again, a storm of confrontation had to occur. The men faced off, paused, and then embraced. Tears ran down their faces as each begged the other for forgiveness. Forty-five minutes later, the crying and hugging and forgiving throughout the congregation finally stopped. The church was revitalized to serve together as a loving community for the glory of God.
Forgiveness is a powerful thing, bringing a comforting calmness. With it, we can enjoy harmony with God’s people; without it, the storm continues.
For Further Study
Read Matthew 18:15-20 for guidelines in dealing with conflict.
Also check out Developing The Art Of Gracious Disagreement
Forgiveness is Christianity in action.
Bible in One Year: Bible in One Year: Psalms 77-78; Romans 10
