CWW Week 23 - Day 3 - Dealing With Sin

Accountability

Scripture.

Matthew 18:15 NKJV

“Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone; if he hears you, you have gained your brother.” 

In the world of social media, there are a thousand ways to be misinterpreted and therefore vilified. A keyboard cannot portray body language or tone of voice, two vital components of communication. Offence is an almost daily occurrence and peoples sensitivities are heightened in a world of increasing social discontent.

Friends against friends and family against family as life long associations are destroyed in a key stroke.

This is a fertile ground for sin to thrive and satan knows it. Ever ready to pounce on every ill thought out sentence like a marauding raptor.

We need to strengthen and fortify our relationships to withstand the onslaught of evils attacks on our relationships. Our scriptures for today is the essence of the methods encouraged in us by Jesus.

We also need to strengthen our own resolve and broaden our compassion.

The day has arrived that AI and deep fake technology will literally be able to put words into our mouths as expressed in the digital world. 

For almost two decades we have been involved in life recovery ministries with a small group of amazing and dedicated volunteers; damaged people working amongst damaged people. It would be so easy for gossip and discontent to bear its bitter fruit in such an environment. We have aways encouraged the team to tell the truth faster.

We practice the principles of Matthew 18:15 when ever the need arises. It’s very important not to let any seeds of doubt germinate in the compost of our daily lives and personal frailties.

It’s important to choose our relationships wisely and then nurture them in truth. We must love those we are in relationship with enough to risk losing them to truth should the need arise.

Iron sharpens iron and I trust my friends to hold me to account in love when they see me straying off the path.

They also allow me to do the same with them.

This is why the twelve step recovery movement is such a leadership factory. It fosters real and raw accountability that creates eternal friendships.

We can only achieve these kind of relationships if we leave judgement of others in the bin where it belongs.

I have one expectation of my friends and that is that they remain real about themselves and me.

Galations 6:1 implores us to “restore each other gently” unless we ourselves fall into sin in the process.

Before calling someone out we need to follow the steps outlined in todays scripture. Go to your brother, not text or email him. Sit with him and talk it through.

We must pray as we approach this, that the Holy Spirit will guide the process to a win win scenario where both walk away better off where possible.

This can only be achieved if our motives are based on love of others instead of self.

Accountability is a valuable but rare commodity in society. When people live up to accountability and admit their errors they will largely be forgiven for their wrongs and nurtured.

Remember Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted,”

Repentance is the tool we used to partake of God’s grace and mercy. Are we not called on to demonstrate the character of God also?

Some transgressions are serious enough to warrant a penalty so as not to enable toxic behaviour in others, but the penitent person is also prepared to face the music.

Lets not forget that we work on the platform of the non- punitive safety culture.

As we remember that life is about character development we can be assured that we will grow in this process.

Questions

1. Is there someone in your life that you need to confront in love?
2. Do you care enough to risk the relationship to warn them gently?
3. What could happen to your heart if you take these steps?

Prayer.

Dear Lord, Papa God.

We know that evil thrives when people of good will do nothing. We pray Papa that You will empower us with courage grace and wisdom to deal with our relationships with sincerity and trust in You. Create in us a humble heart Lord that we act in meekness in accordance with the beatitudes in dealing with all our affairs as only You can lead us with aYour Holy Spirit. Steer us away from condemnation and arrogance as we take these steps. This we pray in the name above all names; Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Have a great day today with Jesus.

Graham Hood.