If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. Matthew 18:15 – Many years ago I taught a youth lesson about reconciliation. The heart of it was that our enemy loves to drive wedges between us and other believers. If there is any sort or disagreement or hurt between two believers, the enemy snatches the opportunity to drive a wedge within the newly formed crack to not only keep the crack from coming back together but also to have it expand. It’s an evil work, but the enemy is exceedingly skilled at it. While a little corny, I gave the students a rhyme to hold onto when such an attack from the enemy comes their way. “I pledge to kick the wedge off the ledge.” I had them imagine standing on the ledge of a cliff with whatever “wedge” the enemy was seeking to add to their relationships. They were to see that wedge and kick that thing as far off the ledge into oblivion as possible. Such is Jesus’ heart with this passage. If a brother sins against you somehow don’t let the enemy drive a wedge between you and them. Don’t gripe about it, gossip about it, and stew over it for days. Either forgive him and let it go, or go talk with him about it. Those are your only two scripturally acceptable options when a hurt is done against you. Holding bitterness against them is sin, living a life of avoiding them is sin, speaking poorly about them to others is sin. Pledge to kick the wedge off the ledge. Give Jesus the victory here by seeking reconciliation with your brother. Forgive, have conversation, and seek peace as far as it depends on you. No, they still may not listen or even desire healing. They may be content with the “wedge” remaining and you can do nothing about that, you just don’t be content with it. Jesus set the example of removing the barrier between us and Him, let’s seek the same with others. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3340
Question To Ponder: What is an example of a “wedge” we may let remain in a relationship?
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