2 Samuel 20
So, what can we learn from this story? There are good ways to handle offense. In this world we live in, people will get upset. As much as we would like to avoid it, at some time or another it’s going to happen. Either we will get offended or we will offend someone else. I don’t care how careful, caring, loving, open minded, or gentle you might try to be, people will take offense. So what do we do when it happens? Well, Jesus has the answer for us in Matthew chapter 18.
Matthew 18:15-17
“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. 16But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
So what does that all mean? Go to them directly, one on one! Take one or two others as witnesses to what is said. If that doesn’t solve the disagreement, bring it before the church. If that still doesn’t solve the issue, invite them to leave the church. Whatever the outcome might be, continue to love them! They don’t have to like you for you to love them. You don’t have to like them to love them. Having bad feelings toward them is not an option!
Pastor Travis