Arguments

Matthew 18:15-20

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there will be disagreements. 

This is not a quote from scripture.  We’ll get to the actual quote at the end of this reflection.  But, at least in my experience, it is true.  Christians, no, human beings in general, tend to rub up against one another from time to time.  Conflict is a part of the human experience.  It is a product of the wonderful diversity and differences God built into the system.  Conflict can be, and often is, destructive, but it can also be creative.  When my unique perspectives and experiences bump up against your unique perspectives and experiences working through the differences can result in both of us learning and growing.  Really.  Often, that’s not easy work, especially if the conflicts are deep and enduring, but it can be holy work.

Jesus understood only too well that when two or three are gathered in his name, conflict would result.  Even a cursory reading of the Gospels, Acts and the other New Testament writings confirms that it did.  The disciples could bicker with one another.  It wasn’t long after Pentecost that the early church started to disagree with one another about how best to carry out the mission Christ gave them.  Paul and Barnabas eventually parted ways over their difference of opinions.  Knowing that disagreements would inevitably emerge, Jesus taught his disciples a way to work through them.  Matthew 18 lays out a process for dealing with conflict that is based on the principal that we need to deal with conflict together and we need to support one another in doing so within the community of faith.  It is about dealing with each other one on one when we hurt each other, if that is possible, and getting help when we can’t.  It is built upon the principal of forgiveness;  the same forgiveness that God in Christ extends to us. (More on that next week).  It is NOT about choosing up sides, personally attacking each other, talking about each other behind their backs, shunning, or shaming one another.  It is about loving one another enough to do the hard work of working through our problems and searching for creative solutions together.

The quote in Matthew 18:20 is often used to find comfort when only a few people show up for a bible study.  But it is actually much more than that.  It is a promise that whenever two or three (or more) of us get together to work things out…  Christ will be there among us, his Spirit guiding us, his presence strengthening us, as we journey together toward creative solutions to those things that divide us. 

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” –Matthew 18:20

Peace,

Bishop Mike

Thank-you for reading! 

Please continue to pray for all those being effected by hurricanes, floods, fires and earthquakes; and for those who suffer from the many, many violent conflicts that shatter lives all around our world.