No one likes a cheat apart from the cheater who prides themselves on their cunning ability to circumvent the rules to their own advantage. I have been watching a TV fishing competition recently called Kingfisher. The show comprises three different professional anglers from vastly different parts of the world who in turn host the other two on a fishing trip in their own country. The host angler provides the equipment and sets the rules for the competition. They are also expected to give advice and coaching where necessary especially if their fellow competitors are unfamiliar with the surroundings, type of quarry and techniques required.
Most of the anglers are charming hosts in fact each angler scores their fellow competitors on their overall experience including hospitality. Unfortunately one or two are so competitive that they twist and even break their own rules in order to win on their home ground. It is ugly to watch and even though they may win the trophy, their victory seems hollow and worthless. The frustrated expressions on the faces of the losers says it all.
Rules are there for a reason and when overly competitive players cheat to win it robs their fellow players of all the joy of playing. Whilst I doubt if any of us habitually and deliberately practice deception, but from time to time we get things wrong. We make poor choices often through selfish motives and cause upset to unity and friendship.
The principle disciples would soon be in positions of leadership within the newly emerging early Christian community and it was important that Jesus discussed appropriate measures of maintaining discipline in the Church.
In Matt 18 we find a really sensible model of conflict resolution, one which is even employed in the military community. The process incorporates both the informal and formal paths of conflict resolution. Grievances within the Church between members should be handled discretely and in private. If that fails informal third party arbitration should be explored. If this fails then and only then may the matter be made public and be brought before the Church from more serious consequences even to the point of excommunication may be considered.
Jesus’s seemingly reassuring words to the effect that his presence is assured when two or more believers meet in his is actually to be taken as “Guys when two or three of you in leadership agree upon a judgement and course of action when dealing with conflicts in the Church you have my complete backing.”
Under Jewish law three judges were required to judge a case and at least two witnesses required to bring a charge. In the case of capital crimes one of those two witnesses is required to stand by their testimony to such an extent that they are willing to throw the first stone. In dealing with Church conflicts Jesus promised that he would always be present by his Spirit at any such proceedings where two or three meet in his name, furthermore what was decided on earth by them would be ratified in heaven.
I hate conflict. As Warden at Church House it was in dealing with such things that finally led to my 4 month nervous breakdown. It is, however, a function of leadership and from which one must not excuse ourselves. Conflicts of any kind between people are seldom easy to resolve, especially when both parties are entrenched in their positions and will not budge. The tragedy of the war in Ukraine is that all those involved are utterly convinced to the moral justification of their actions.
I began this sermon talking about rules and rule breaking or bending. St Paul as did Jesus before him reflects on the value of the rules of the Jewish community, the Law and quite rightly identifies that the principle of Love fulfils all Law. If we truly act out of love, desiring only the highest good of another, serving them unconditionally and selflessly we are unlikely to offend. Jesus before him affirmed that whole hearted, mindful love of God and neighbour exercised with all our strength and ability fulfils the Law and Prophets.
Taking this principle into conflict resolution will make the process much less painful and lead to far greater success. If we approach the person with whom we have conflicting issues lovingly no matter how much hurt we feel we will be in a much better position. We should listen lovingly in order to seek to gain understanding rather than simply to be understood. We should speak in love without thoughtless, hate-filled accusations. If we desire the highest good of another despite hurt we may feel, our actions will not be framed by demands for retribution.
Should we have to escalate the process then we will know in our heart that we have acted in Jesus’s name and way, but even escalation must be exercised with love and concern for the offended parties and a sincere desire for healing and reconciliation.
Harsh though it may seem only a fool will deliberately decide to ignore such lovingly senstive action and they risk forfeiting their right to further participation in the community. Unresolved conflict is highly injurious to unity which is at the heart of Jesus’s desire for the Church under the command of love.
Let us never be tempted to bend the rules, but to abide by them. If we consider such rules to be in error then there are appropriate means and processes to follow to have them amended without resorting to cheating. There is, however, one all encompassing rule which will never be repealed and that is the rule of love. Live by that and you will never go wrong
We have seen that interpreting Jesus’s words as assurance of his abiding presence even when small numbers of his followers assemble is incorrect. That being said, however, he is always with us and the Holy Spirit’s inspired intimacy is felt even when only two or three gather in the name of Jesus. This fact makes the sweetness of Christian fellowship a joy to taste.
Amen.