While we are called to graciously and lovingly confront one another, concerning sinful patterns and grievous sins, we ought never to do so with a self-righteous, condemning spirit. The goal of reconciliation and restoration ought always to be at the forefront of our minds, when seeking to confront others, and we ought always to examine our own hearts first, ensuring that we are dealing properly with our own faults, before helping others deal with theirs.
This morning, we move on, to consider an interesting addition that is strapped onto the end of this text by our Lord, which we might liken to an addendum to what we have just gone over, or better yet, a "however," statement. And to this end, we are brought to a place of balance; a line of limitation, as it were, which ought to help govern how far we put ourselves out there, as we seek to conduct a restorative ministry of humble reconciliation. There is, indeed, a place to walk away, not resentfully or arrogantly, but with a sense of quiet humility, when the individual to whom we are seeking to minister, is belligerently refusing our help and counsel. There is a place to shield and protect the dignity of Christ and His Gospel, from those who would seek to take advantage of His kindness (through us), so as, to mock and trash the glory of Christ, our Savior and King. And while we ought not to be quick to place others into this category of judgment, we do need to be consciously aware of this kind of a reality, remembering that honoring Christ and His glory is the single most important duty that belongs to all of us, in all of our ministerial responsibilities. |
