Preserving Unity-Confronting
Teachers
Lesson Summary
Pastor Richard Sutton opened the class by acknowledging how easy it is to preach forgiveness yet how hard it is to practice. He reviewed foundational passages—Ephesians 4:31‑32, which commands believers to discard bitterness and to forgive as Christ forgave, and Matthew 5:23‑24, which calls for reconciliation before worship. He then shifted focus to the practical side of confronting sin, pointing to Matthew 18:15‑20 where Jesus outlines a step‑by‑step process for addressing a brother's offense. Sutton highlighted the responsibility of both the offender and the offended, referencing Jesus' instruction to forgive “seventy times seven” (Matt 18:21‑22) and the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matt 18:23‑35) as warnings against unforgiveness. Using vivid analogies—such as refusing to send back a bad meal—the pastor illustrated the natural human aversion to conflict and the spiritual necessity of confronting sin for the sake of unity. He emphasized that preserving the bond of peace requires humility, gentleness, patience, and a willingness to take the “extra mile,” even when it means taking a slap on the cheek or praying for the offender. The class concluded with a call to apply these teachings, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide believers in loving confrontation within the body of Christ.
Key Scriptures
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. Make peace with your brother and then come and offer your gift.