DISARM-Part 3-Matthew 18:15-17

There is a timeline that Jesus gives us to handle the conflict that comes when we have been sinned against.

Step 1-One-on-One-In this step, we go to the person who has sinned against us. Only the person who has sinned against us. Not someone who has sinned against a friend, relative, or acquaintance. If they listen to us, reconciliation takes place and all is well!

Step 2-Two or Three on One-In this step, we take two people who are familiar with the situation, who know and love both parties, and who will not add to the drama of the situation. If they listen to the small group, reconciliation takes place and all is well!

Step 3-The “Church”–This is a group of people who have authority over each of the parties (yourself and the one who sinned against you). These need to be people respected by both the sinner and the one sinned against. This will help them see that this is important and needs to be addressed. If they listen to the group, reconciliation takes place and all is well!

Step 4-Love them back to Jesus-In this step, we love the people who have sinned against us and are unrepentant back to Jesus. We do not shun them, but we follow the examples of Jesus.

Final Warning-Don’t take revenge, but leave room for the Lord to work. In this we introduce the presence of God into the situation, and we begin to act more and more like Jesus.