J50 Justice for you! Mercy for me!

Matthew 18:15-17 "If a brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone..."

Sometimes we are so used to hearing a verse that we don't pause to re-think what it actually says -- we just think we know.

Can I be sinned against? Offended, sure. But against you alone have I sinned, Oh God! (1) So what kind of offense is at issue here? And how is it that no one else in the church is aware of this offense? Two believers, two points of view, two different emotions.

Chrysostom: "See how He seeks the interest not of the aggrieved alone, but also the interest of the offender. The injured one may be more taken captive by passion. He becomes the one who is weak and infirm [i.e., in his spirit]. " (2). I get that. I used to have real 'anger issues,' myself. Tears of hurt, then rage, then frustration. Certainly, no peace. Thoughts of -- dare I say it? -- revenge.

Augustine: "We ... are lenient over a sin against God but act out our hatred when we ourselves are insulted. Yet we should immediately reprove our brother, if he has lost his shame and innocence, so that he does not remain in sin." (3) I get that. We injure the offender, by remaining silent. Have more concern for his spirit than for my own pride. He may be unaware of his offense, or it may have been unintentional, or (oh no!) maybe it was retaliation for my own sin!

There is real wisdom in one-on-one honesty before involving others. But if the principles can't agree there was an offense, then seek a wiser third party. Of course, I wouldn't choose HIS allies to come to MY defense. I have my own faction ...

As for expulsion from fellowship -- I can see the necessity sometimes. But in 47 years of church going, I can't recall a single occurence of this for a private offense. Erring leaders may be asked to leave by the elders, but even then it was never laid before the congregation to decide.

What to do, what to do. "The letter killeth, but the Spirit gives life." (4) Better the guilty go free than the innocent be condemned. No one is as wise as God, not even Solomon.

My prayer: Father God, help me separate my personal "stuff" from the encounters I have with others. Let me never bring others into conflict for my sake. Let me act not in defense, but ONLY in intervention. Give me Your wisdom to decide. Subdue the poisonous passions for revenge or "justice" in my heart. Nurture Mercy in my soul, Lord, without compromise of godliness.

(1) Psalm 51:4

(2) Chrysostom, "The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 60.1" Ancient Christian Commentary, IVP

(3) Augustine, "Commentary on Matthew 3.18.15-17." (Also in ACC)

(4) 2 Corinthians 3:6.

04/17/2020