Universal Utterings®
for August 14, 2024

A Godcast ® brought to you by

God First Ministries, Inc. 501c3

WWW.UNIVERSALUTTERINGS.COM

08-14-2024 Matthew 18 V-1520 Road to Restoration

http://universalutterings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/08-14-2024-Matthew-18-V-1520-Road-to-Restoration.mp3

The Book of Matthew 18 v- 15 thru 20

15 “If your brother sins [against you], go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. 16 If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. 18 Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, [amen,] I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

This scripture addresses the process of reconciliation and conflict resolution within the Christian community. In this passage, Jesus outlines a step-by-step approach for dealing with a fellow believer who has sinned against another.

The first step involves direct confrontation: the person who is wronged is encouraged to go to the offender privately and discuss the issue. This emphasizes the importance of addressing conflicts directly and personally rather than spreading gossip or resentment. If the offender listens and repents, the relationship is restored, reflecting the core Christian values of forgiveness and reconciliation.

If the initial attempt fails, the next step is to involve one or two others as witnesses. This serves two purposes: it adds gravity to the situation and provides an opportunity for mediation. The goal remains reconciliation, and involving others can help ensure fairness and accountability.

Should the offender still refuse to listen, the matter is to be brought before the church. This step highlights the communal aspect of faith and the responsibility of the church to maintain moral integrity within its community. If the person remains unrepentant, they may be treated as an outsider, indicating a serious breach in the communal relationship.

The passage concludes with a powerful affirmation of the authority given to the church. Jesus states that whatever is bound or loosed on earth will be recognized in heaven, underscoring the spiritual weight of these decisions. Furthermore, He promises that where two or three gather in His name, He is present among them, emphasizing the importance of community and divine presence in the process of reconciliation. Overall, Matthew 18:15-20 serves as a guide for conflict resolution, promoting accountability, reconciliation, and the communal nature of faith. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

08-14-2024 Matthew 18 V-1520

**The Road to Restoration**

In the heart of a community, where love should reign,

When a brother or sister causes sorrow or pain,

If one has stumbled, gone astray,

Take a moment, don’t walk away.

Go to them gently, just you and he,

Speak from the heart, let your words be free.

For in quiet whispers, understanding may bloom,

A chance for forgiveness, dispelling the gloom.

But if they won’t listen, if pride holds them tight,

Call on a friend, let them join in the light.

With witnesses present, truth can then shine,

Together you seek what’s just and divine.

If still, they resist, if their heart stays cold,

Bring it to the church, let the story be told.

For the body of Christ holds a sacred decree,

To guide and to heal, to restore harmony.

With wisdom and love, decisions are made,

Bound now on earth, in heaven displayed.

And where two or three gather, His presence is near,

In unity, grace flows, dispelling all fear.

So let us remember, in conflict we find,

A path toward healing, with mercy aligned.

For in every struggle, in each heartfelt plea,

We’re called to be vessels of love, you and me. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 14, 2024 @ 06:11 AM EST

® Universal Utterings is brought to you by;

**† God First Ministries, Inc. is a Roman Catholic Lay Ministry not sponsored by The Church but is accepted by the IRS as a Religious Charitable Org. and is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations made through PayPal using [email protected], mailed to 1350 Aldo Rd. Babson Park, FL 33827, or given to GFM are tax deductible. †**