What does Jesus say we should do when someone hurts us? How should Christians handle conflict, forgiveness, and broken relationships?

Pastor Brent is back in the pulpit at St. Andrews Parish UMC – The Church on the Path this week with a message about something everyone of us experiences: conflict.

In Matthew 18:15–20, Jesus gives His followers a radically different way of responding when relationships are wounded. Instead of gossiping, humiliating, recruiting people to our side, holding grudges, or simply walking away, Jesus tells us to go directly to one another and seek restoration.

Why?

Because love does not walk away.

Drawing from Jesus’ teaching and Paul’s words in Romans 13:8–14, Pastor Brent explores what it means to truly speak the truth in love. Biblical love—agapē—isn’t simply being nice or avoiding difficult conversations. Christian love listens. Love forgives. Love tells the truth. Love establishes healthy boundaries. And love continues to hope for redemption, healing, and transformation.

Jesus teaches that the goal of Christian conflict isn’t winning an argument.

The goal is restoration.

The world teaches us to win by defeating someone. Jesus teaches us to win by regaining a brother or sister. Truth without love can become a weapon, while love without truth can become avoidance. But when grace and truth walk together, reconciliation becomes possible.

This message also takes a fresh look at one of Jesus’ most familiar promises: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” In its original context, Jesus is talking about conflict, accountability, and reconciliation. When two people sit down for a difficult but loving conversation, when someone admits, “I was wrong,” when forgiveness begins, and when broken relationships move toward healing—Jesus is there.

And as we gather at the Communion table, we remember the ultimate example of a love that refused to walk away. When humanity wandered, failed, and sinned, God did not walk away from us. In Jesus Christ, God bore the cost and made a way home.

So whom do you need to talk to?

Whom do you need to forgive?

Is there a difficult truth you need to speak with love?

Is there a relationship where you’ve been more interested in being right than being reconciled?

Jesus offers us another way.

Love listens. Love forgives. Love tells the truth. Love seeks restoration. Love puts on Christ. And love does not walk away.

The Church on the Path Worship + Service = Discipleship Love First…Love Always

Scripture: Matthew 18:15–20; Romans 13:8–14

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