CHURCH DISCIPLINE 5

*Study scripture:* _Mathew 18:15-17- Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. – But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.- And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican._

*CHURCH DISCIPLINE 5*

The scripture above shows us the right way of dealing with a brother or sister who has offended me in church. Simply because someone has annoyed me does not mean that I stop talking to them or even greet them. I must learn to tell him his fault.

There are brothers and sisters in church who do not greet or even say hello to one another and none has taken time to confess their faults to the other. It is not good to stop talking or not to recognize fellow saints because they annoyed you. Have you taken time to tell them their error?

*_James 5:16 – Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed…._* The scripture tells us to admit our mistakes and errors towards one another and consequently ask for forgiveness. If you commit a trespass towards a brother, approach them and settle the matter without becoming enemies.

If you are offended by a brother or sister in church,go to them and tell them their fault towards you and settle it as two just as the word says. If they do not listen to you and apologize,go in the presence of a second witness or elders.

If still that man does not listen in the presence of the witnesses,the scripture says advance to the church. Confess his fault towards him in the presence of the church and if he does not still listen to you, that is when you regard him an enemy or publican or treat him as an unbeliever.

Before you stopped talking to that brother or sister,did you tell them their fault towards you? If he never listened, did you involve some witnesses? If he refused to admit,did you carry the matter to the church? We must learn to honor and respect the patterns of the spirit as we deal with one another in church.
*_Hallelujah!!_*

*Further study:*
Galatians 5:15
Mathew 5:22

*Nugget:*
Before you start to regard a saint in church as your enemy,you must tell them their fault. If they do not accept call a second witness and then involve the church. It is not good to stop talking to someone and regarding him a heathen without following that pattern.
*_Praise be to God!!_*

*Prayer:*
I thank you Jesus for I am instructed in the way of love by your spirit. I exercise to love and forgive the brethren by the power you give to me to the glory of God.
AMEN