We must never forget that we need forgiveness, just as everyone else does. Your flesh wanted to deal harshly with this person, but the Holy Spirit led you to choose the latter option. As a result, your relationship was repaired and restored.
She was able to express her feelings and ask for forgiveness, and you was more than willing to give it. Because of all this, God is glorified. Father, let us be people who treat others with kindness and compassion.
Let's remind ourselves that we are all in need of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Help us to deal with people in love just as God deals with us. Help us to repair broken relationships and deal with people in gentleness, so that the situation can be rectified, justice can be served, and God can be glorified through it all.
Similar to the above verse, Matthew 18 commands us to go to a person and let them know when they are at fault. It is essential that in the first step of Matthew 18, we approach the person privately and discuss the matter with them alone. This gives them a chance to repent and express godly sorrow for what they've done.
We also show them kindness in the wake of their sin. If they do so, we have won them over, and there's no need for future corrective action. However, if someone is unwilling to repent or unable to do so, the next step in Matthew 18 should be taken.
The person should then bring one or two witnesses with them and confront them again. If it remains an issue, it should be brought before the church. However, being brought before the church should be the last step in the process. The Bible does not want us to deal harshly with people. Many verses emphasize the need to restore people gently to the fellowship.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
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