Help, I’ve Got Issues

We are in a new series here at Grace called, “I’ve Got Issues: Our Mess, God’s Message.” This past Sunday we tackled church-hurt issues in a message entitled, “Help, I’ve Got Church Issues.” I’ve appreciated hearing the feedback from the message. Truly, it resonated with many. If you missed the message you can find it here.

My friend, life gets messy. Ministry can be messy. Yet in the middle of the mess, God does have a message of grace that brings healing!  

As part of the series I’ve been taking questions. Here is one I got after Sunday. The question was regarding how to reconcile when you realize that you have offended someone.

Concerning Matthew 5:23-24 which says, “if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” If we’ve reached out to reconcile but the other party refuses, what should we do?”

This is a great question with a simple answer.  

Be patient.

Patience means giving people the time they need to get there. If you’ve reached out and offered a sincere apology, you’ve done your part. Now you patiently wait for the Lord to work in them. As you wait, bear in mind the following:

  1. PRAY for them. Bless them in your time of prayer. This keeps your heart open and tender towards them.
  2. Don’t PUSH them. Keep your door open to them, but don’t go and become a nuisance trying to get them to come to you.
  3. Be Patient. Trust that God is at work in their lives and will allow you to reap what you’ve now sown into their lives.
  4. Stay Pure. Guard your heart. Don’t let their response cause you to resent them. Stay in an attitude of repentance.

If you have a question you want to send in concerning the series, feel free to respond to this email, or text “issues” to 97000.

This Sunday we tackle a new issue; “Help, I’ve Got Money Issues!” I’m looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Immeasurably More, 

Pastor

PS:  Please keep Israel and the Middle East in prayer. Click here to see how you can stand by Israel during this time.

Also, if you haven’t had the opportunity to take the Church Life Questionnaire, please follow this link and take a moment to fill it out. 

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