Replies

And few congregations seem to think enough of those priceless Scriptures to apply them responsibly, diligently, fittingly.

Sad but true - and for the individual who suffered the offense as well as the assembly.

Some individuals would be inclined to strike back by means varying from gossip to murder. Some individuals would be inclined to pack up and leave rather than confront the offender and prevent it from happening again.

And the traditions of some assemblies stand in contrast to Jesus' words on how to handle offenses. An individual in such an assembly may take his own assembly's traditions more seriously than the words of God.

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

But if he will not hear [thee, then] take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell [it] unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. - Matthew 18:15-17

Moreover, even the Spiritually minded Christian may also have difficulty in complying since he is compelled in the Spirit to forgive .

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. - Matthew 7:1-2

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: - Luke 6:37

Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. – Matt 5:7

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. - Matt 6:12

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. - Matt 6:13-14

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them]. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. – Mark 11:24-26

Such a one would still be obliged to confront the offender not because he harbored any resentment or wanted to 'get even' but rather because that is what Jesus said to do, i.e. it is for the benefit of the offender and the church.

To God be the glory, not man, never man.

ABSOLUTELY INDEED.

I had to apply that . . . not even to Christians in a Christian relationship or congregation—well, not mostly.

But at the univ.

Someone had evidently complained because I mentioned political things in the adjunct faculty office—and supposedly in pottery in intolerable ways or degrees.

Thankfully, they were chagrinned on checking to find out the accusations were grossly overblown or outright false.

However, I went speedily to the most likely suspects and did what I could to clear the relationship and at least to notify thereby that I routinely go to the sources in an effort to clear the relationships.

THAT is what I believe Christ requires of me, regardless of a LOT of other contingensies, issues and facts.

Besides, one sleeps better following THE MANUAL.

Thanks for the excellent Scriptures and observations, comments.