Continuous Reconciliation: Evidence of Living as a Loving Local Church

Authentic Christians demonstrate love for God and others by living in a state of continuous reconciliation with each other.

I. Reconciliation With God Causes us to Proactively Treat Each Other Fairly and Justly v. 19-23
A. Tell the Truth/Put Away Falsehood v. 25
B. Work/Don't steal v. 28
C. Give/Don't Take v. 28
D. Use Words to Build Up/Don't Tear Down v. 29
E. Be Kind/Not Harsh, Bitter, and Angry v. 31-32
F. Forgive/Don't Hold Grudges v. 32
II. Reconciliation With God Causes us to React with Humble Repentance & Reconciliation with Each Other When We Sin
A. Recognizing Misconceptions About Christians Living in Love
1. Loving One Another Means Never Offending One Another – Every Christian Lives A Sinless perfect life.
2. Loving One Another Means Never Needing to Say I'm Sorry
Correct Conception: Matthew 5:21-26
3. Loving One Another Always Agreeing With Each Other
4. Loving One Another Means Never Judging or Confronting Sin in One Another
Correct Conception: Galatians 6:1
5. Christian Leaders (Pastors/Deacons/Missionaries) are super-Christians who should get all of this right all the time.
6. All attempts at reconciliation will be successful.
Correct Conception: Romans 12:14-18
B. Process for Reconciliation:
Matthew 18:15-17
1. Go Alone to Restore v. 15
2. Take 2 or 3 Witnesses v.16
3. The Church v. 17

Ephesians 4 to see the actions that must be part of the process - Four Rules of Communication
1. Be Truthful v. 25
2. Be Current v. 26a
3. Attack the Problem; not the Person v. 29
4. Act; don't react v. 31-32