WEDNESDAY
So far this week we have been talking mostly about confessing our sin to God. Today and tomorrow we will talk about confessing our sin to one another.
Remember what we read on Monday in 1 John 1:7
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…
Walking in the light, truth and righteousness of God, leads us to fellowship with one another. As we said on Monday, one would have expected John to say “fellowship with God” here. But he reminds us that our fellowship with God and with one another is not all that disconnected. We are all brought into the body of Christ. We become one in Christ. This fellowship is far deeper and more meaningful than most of us perceive when we think of church relationships.
Jesus speaks of the importance of being reconciled to one another in the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:21–24 21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
In vv. 21-22 Jesus teaches that anger in one’s heart towards a brother or sister in the community of faith is tantamount to murder. That, of course, is shocking. This reminds us of the high standards of holiness and how we fall short of this standard in so many ways. We must not allow anger and bitterness to steep in our hearts. We must confess it and allow the light of Christ to shine into it.
Then he shares an example of how reconciliation in the community of faith should precede practice of religious duties. It seems as if we should view reconciliation as a religious duty.
This teaching of Jesus echoes (😉) the teaching of Isaiah.
Isaiah 1:11–17 11 “The multitude of your sacrifices— what are they to me?” says the Lord. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. 12 When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? 13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations— I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. 14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! 16 Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. 17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
In rather strong language, Isaiah is prophesying against the people of Israel for performing their religious duties, thinking this will make them right with God, while they are failing to pursue right relationship with their fellow man. They are not advocating for the poor; they are doing evil, not seeking justice. Jesus and Isaiah agree—religious duties without pursuing peace and right relationship with one another is contradictory.
It’s interesting that Jesus here tells us to take it a step further than even saying “I’m sorry” to someone we have wronged. We are to seek reconciliation with “a brother or sister who has something against you.” Regardless of who committed the offense we are to do everything in our power to pursue reconciliation.
It is impossible to exist in close community without offending and being offended. Think of your closest relationships: family, friends, etc. How often do offenses occur? In my home reconciliation is almost a daily practice. Therefore, the pursuit of reconciliation must be a part of church experience if we are to be experience close relationships.
When we don’t we will simply take the easy road and leave the church when offenses occur. This approach often reveals a misunderstanding of the true nature of Christian community. Our church community is not a club we should so easily leave behind. It is a fellowship. It is one body. It also often reveals an immaturity that pursues not genuine intimacy in relationship but a utilitarian understanding of using others to achieve some felt need (usually friendship or religious duty). Once the difficulty of meeting that need is no longer worth the effort we drop it and seek to meet that need elsewhere. Sadly, the offenses often provide an opportunity for spiritual growth, but that opportunity is not taken when we simply avoid it or turn our back and leave.
Of course, I am not saying that there is never a time to leave a church or walk away. I am simply speaking generally against the more common trend of avoiding the pursuit of reconciliation.
Reflection
If you’ve never been offended by someone in the church perhaps you aren’t close enough to others. Reflect on what may be leading you to keep your brothers and sisters in Christ at arms length.
Are there any outstanding offenses between you and someone else in the church. If so, first take it to the Lord and ask forgiveness from Him. Then pursue reconciliation with the other person.