For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Christ, having cautioned his disciples not to give offence, comes next to direct them what they must do in case of offences given them which may be understood either of personal injuries, and then these directions are intended for the preserving of the peace of the church or of public scandals, and then they are intended for the preserving of the purity and beauty of the church. Let us consider it both ways. I. Let us apply it to the quarrels that happen, upon any account, among Christians. If thy brother trespass against thee, by grieving thy soul (1 Corinthians 8:12), by affronting thee, or putting contempt or abuse upon thee if he blemishes thy good name by false reports or tale-bearing if he encroaches on thy rights, or be any way injurious to thee in thy estate if he is guilty of any of those trespasses that are specified, Leviticus 6:2,3 if he transgresses the laws of justice, charity, or relative duties these are trespasses against us and often happen among Christ’s disciples, and sometimes, for want of prudence, are of very mischievous consequence. Now observe what is the rule prescribed in this case, 1. Go, and tell him his fault between thee and him alone. Let this be compared with, and explained by, Leviticus 19:17, Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart that is, “If thou hast conceived displeasure at thy brother for any injury he hath done thee, do not suffer thy resentments to ripen into secret malice (like a wound, which is most dangerous when it bleed inwardly), but give vent to them in a mild and grave admonition, let them so spend themselves, and they will expire the sooner do not go and rail against him behind his back, but thou shalt in any ways reprove him. If he has indeed done thee a considerable wrong, endeavour to make him sensible of it, but let the rebuke be private, between thee and him alone if thou wouldest convince him, do not expose him, for that will but exasperate him, and make the reproof look like revenge” this agrees with Proverbs 25:8,9, “
Go not forth hastily to strive, but debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself, argue it calmly and amicably and if he shall hear thee, well and good, thou hast gained thy brother, there is an end of the controversy, and it is a happy end let no more be said of it, but let the falling out of friends be the renewing of friendship.”
Blessings brothers and sisters may you all walk in the light which has been shared with you, comforts you, and lights the narrow path so hard to find and maintain.
Again please remember this is just a humble servant doing the bidding of the LORD I pray for a safe journey forward. A walk-in God’s love and peace, and may the “SHARING OF YOUR LIGHT” be fruitful, remember He is always with you if you hold His love in your heart forever.
