August 12: Matthew 18:15-20
Key Verse: Matthew 18:18
Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Devotion:
How do you deal with conflict? Do you try to avoid it so you don't have to get involved with people who have disagreements? Do you go in shouting and make oters back down because they dare to disagree with you?
We are all made different, and as such, we will all think differently. This should be seen as a positive and not as a detriment to the way we live with others. Having differing oppinons allows us to see things from a different perspective and may allow us to right our own wrongs!
If we really do not agree with someone, we should start by discussing the situation with them in person; no good shouting about it to others people because we will only make enemies instead of friends.
The more we have issues with others and do not work things out, the more baggage we will take with us when we get to heaven. The more we work things out, the easier our lives here and after will be!
Points to ponder:
Do you harbour grudges?
Do you try to resolve issues with others before things explode?