Reconciling Relationships

called to the ministry of reconciliation.

Jesus Had A Lot To Say About Right Relationships

Kick the dust off your feet

Jesus kicked the dust off his feet - Matt 10:14

he said don't cast your pearls before the swine - Matt 7:6

he wouldn't allow the foolish virgins to enter - Matt 25:1-10

jesus said the bad fish were cast away.Matt 13:47-48

Evil company corrupts good habits - 1 Cor. 15:33

Prune the vine - John 15:1-5

Don’t eat with people who are living in sin and confessing Christ 1 Cor. 5:10

Let the unbelieving depart 1 Cor 7:15

Avoid the divisive Romans 16:17

Don’t be unequally yoked 2 Cor. 6:14

Withdraw from the disorderly 2 Thess. 3:6, 14

Do not receive false doctrine 2 John 10

If a man doesn’t love the Lord, consider him anathema 1 Cor. 16:22

We are to sow into fertile ground - Mark 4

Reconciliation Isn’t Always Possible

Romans 12:18 NKJV

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Some people are still harmful or may hurt others.

Business person who was delinquent in many responsibilities.

Child not accepting responsibility for actions.

People not following agreed upon accountability.

You’ll know a tree by its fruit

Matthew 7:15–20 NKJV

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Not what you want it to be.

Big mistake successful people make is seeing the potential and working harder for it than they are for it.

Be aware of people bind spots. Most hurtful behavior has God's intention at its root.

Ill - man drowning

Bout who cried wolf

Jesus told Pharisees to bear fruit

Matthew 3:8 NKJV

Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,

Acts 26:20

Matt 7:15-20

Repentance is going to bear fruit.

Accepts full responsibility for his or her actions. (Instead of: “Since you think I’ve done something wrong . . . ” or “If have done anything to offend you . . .”)

Makes restitution where necessary.

Does not continue in the hurtful behavior or anything associated with it.

Welcomes accountability from others.

Does not have a defensive attitude about being in the wrong.

Does not dismiss or downplay the hurtful behavior.

Does not resent doubts about their sincerity or the need to demonstrate sincerity—-especially in cases involving repeated offenses.

Examples

Zacchaeus

Prodigal son

Peter

Pearl Of Great Price

What is fruit?

Character of the Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23

Good results - a track record - 1 Timothy 3

Consider Yourself

know what you want

say what you mean, mean what you say, but don't say it mean.

Count the cost - what can you handle

Galatians 6:1 NKJV

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

Luke 17:3 NKJV

Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.