It was one of those...
Illustration
Object:
It was one of those church meetings that you would just as soon forget. There was
disagreement over issues of how best to spend the church's money. Some wanted to
spend it immediately while others thought it should be invested and only the interest
should be spent. After a 45-minute discussion, the disagreement became personal attacks
on each other. The meeting would not end well without intervention.
The chairperson asked everyone to be quiet. He then led the group in prayer, asking for divine guidance to help with the current situation. The prayer refocused the group's attention. It was obvious that people were passionate about their church. Everyone calmed down and the meeting ended on a positive note.
The chairperson asked to meet with two of the people the next day. He asked them to speak from the heart in an attempt to resolve the situation. Betty shared that she was hurt when Peter did not invite her to their family barbecue. Peter was surprised and explained that he did not invite her because he knew she did not eat barbecued pork. Further, he explained that he was not trying to hurt her feelings by not inviting her. Peter said he was truly sorry. Betty said she was sorry for the way she acted at the meeting. The two left as friends.
Jesus knew that there would be times when believers would not see eye to eye. At those times, he instructs us to meet with the person with the goal of reconciliation. If that attempt fails the next step is to bring a third person as an impartial observer. Again, the hope is that whatever is dividing them will be put to rest. During those unfortunate episodes Jesus promises to be with us. "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."
The chairperson asked everyone to be quiet. He then led the group in prayer, asking for divine guidance to help with the current situation. The prayer refocused the group's attention. It was obvious that people were passionate about their church. Everyone calmed down and the meeting ended on a positive note.
The chairperson asked to meet with two of the people the next day. He asked them to speak from the heart in an attempt to resolve the situation. Betty shared that she was hurt when Peter did not invite her to their family barbecue. Peter was surprised and explained that he did not invite her because he knew she did not eat barbecued pork. Further, he explained that he was not trying to hurt her feelings by not inviting her. Peter said he was truly sorry. Betty said she was sorry for the way she acted at the meeting. The two left as friends.
Jesus knew that there would be times when believers would not see eye to eye. At those times, he instructs us to meet with the person with the goal of reconciliation. If that attempt fails the next step is to bring a third person as an impartial observer. Again, the hope is that whatever is dividing them will be put to rest. During those unfortunate episodes Jesus promises to be with us. "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."
