A spirit of reconciliation

How often do we let unresolved conflict with another person keep us from doing things, going places, or being ourselves? Instead of dealing with things quickly, we let them simmer. Or talk to everyone else except the individual involves?

In Matthew 18, Jesus enumerates 4 steps to dealing with strained relationships.

1) If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.….. MATT 18:15
2) … if he will not listen, take one or two others along… MATT 18:16
3) … if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church … MATT 18:17a
4) … if he refuses to listen to them, treat him as you would (an unbeliever).… MATT 18:17b

But have you noticed how people can walk through these steps while, at the same time, violate the spirit behind the process? Many people see the above steps as permission to blast someone or be self-vindicating. For me, it is important to realize that there are several timeless principles behind the process.


· Approach with humility

The family language of brothers and sisters assumes a note of personal care. Remember to approach each other as peers who are journeying side by side.

· Keep it limited

Limit the exposure. Reduce the fallout. Avoid unnecessary rumors, the misunderstandings, and slander from multiplying. When we gossip to others instead of deal with the individual, it is always destructive.

· Aim reconciliation

Remember that the win in all this is a restored relationship. Our attitudes should not be that of a policeman out to arrest a criminal, but rather a physician seeking to heal a wound.

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The Easy Life. Really?

Jesus offers to make our spiritual journey easy and light. Sounds pretty unrealistic, huh? To be honest, I’m usually skeptical whenever someone tells me that the Christian life is easy. I usually write that off as novice arrogance. How could the Christian life be light and easy? That sounds more like an oldies radio station than the spiritual journey I know. But that is, in fact, what Jesus said:

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me… For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:29-30

A yoke was a farming implement used to work the ground. Jesus uses it as a symbol for the demands and burdens of the true spiritual journey. It helps me to picture a modern backpack. Still how can He say it is easy or light? It turns out that the word “easy” does not imply that life will be smooth and trouble-free. The word “easy” is best translated well-fitted, or well-suited. That’s why The Message paraphrases this verse as “I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.” And the phrase “light burden” isn't meant to imply the believers somehow float through life lighter than air. The light burden is contrasted with the unrealistic burdens of religious leaders who loaded down their followers without any regard for their purpose or the journey they were meant to take.

Here are a few takeaways for me.

· Jesus’ yoke is easy and light because it is perfectly fitted for us. Unlike an ill-fitted backpack, it doesn’t chaff or rub. It is uniquely designed for our frame.

· Jesus’ yoke is easy and light because it is just what we need for our journey. He equips us with all we need.

· Jesus’ yoke is easy and light because it is transforming. As we wear it, we discover it not only fits it, but over time we are shaped by it as well. As we wear it, we become more like the One who gave it to us. We become more like Christ.