Relating

As a relatively new pastor, I knew God was leading me to lead our church in building relationships. I was actually doing this as pastor, before I realized what I was doing. It was the work of the Holy Spirit. I see in scripture that God is a relational God. The creator of the universe not only chose to create humanity, he chose to relate to them through His son. Because of God relating to us, he wants his people (believer's in Christ) to be relational to Him (not religious) and relational to each other. Jesus said in John 13:35 "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples." The problem is that we believers like to "wrestle" with each other and debate as to who is more right, who should lead, etc. and we neglect to love.
Paul said that no matter what spiritual gift you have, we are to love (my paraphrase). Jesus even gave us a guideline for how to relate to each other when there is conflict:

Mat 18:15-18 NLT "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. (16) But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. (17) If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won't accept the church's decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. (18) "I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

The problem: this is against the natural tendency. Instead we want to gossip, harbor bitterness and not address the real issue. Jesus told us to go to the person and speak to that person and that person only. Then, and only then (if the problem isn't resolved) are we to involve other people. Jesus gave us these guidelines which will help alleviate conflict, reduce the temptation to gossip, and resist the urge to "divide and conquer". This guideline will actually do the opposite. By going to the person with whom there is conflict, we illiminate the urge to "assume the worse", we show respect, and we allow God to heal the relationship. Lastly, Jesus spoke these words long before the digital age, but I do believe that Jesus intends for us to speak to one another in person...not with a phone call, and e-mail or a text.

Is there someone that you need to talk to? Jesus even told us to leave our gift at the alter and deal with the situation immediately. So.....go do it!