Every Christian is held to a higher standard by the Word of God and His character. We want to not only hold ourselves to this, but other Christians as well, this creates unity. The sharpening of a person is a lot like iron sharpening iron; sparks will fly, emotions will go crazy, and words & actions will be shared. But remember - the goal is to be more like Jesus, not our old dead self. It is not healthy for the church or loving towards the sinner to ignore sin, therefore we will be grace and truth dealers as we seek maturity in Christ. (updated)

ACCOUNTABILITY

DISCIPLINE

VULNERABILITY.

The truth is we don’t expect God’s people to behave like those without Christ in their lives, but sometimes we all do…so what do we do?

Here are some possibilities of what we might FEEL in our relationships with each other: 

anger, sorrow, disappointment, rejection, hurt, jealousy, vulnerability, fear, rebellion, pride, shame, guilt, embarrassment, or loss.

Big ? How do we most faithfully represent  Grace and Truth in our lives?

John 1:15-18 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

The absence of conflict does not mean that the relationship is healthy. The absence of conflict SOMETIMES might mean there is a need for Vulnerability, Accountability and/or Discipline. 

SIDE NOTE:

Everyone in this room will need someone else at some time, some place, in some situation.

1. Relationships matter

2. There is something wrong in that relationship that needs addressing/correcting

3. Everything hinges on an individual’s response to those who point out his or her sin.

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Matthew 18:15-17

1. If your brother or sister sins 

Vulnerability - the act of openly sharing your authentic self, including your true thoughts, feelings, and experiences, even when it involves the risk of emotional hurt, rejection, or judgment 

(It's about taking down your defenses, showing your real needs and desires, and trusting that your partner will receive your truth with honesty, empathy, and acceptance, fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and connection.) 

Accountability - owning your actions, words, and commitments, and taking responsibility for their impact on your partner and the relationship itself. 

(It's about taking the opportunity to answer for what one has done, said or thought when asked, questioned, or interrogated)

Discipline

Display of Self-Control and Commitment forward for the issue at hand that was addressed

2. go tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won your brother 

47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.”

3. 16 But if he won’t listen, take one or two others with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established.

4. 17 If he doesn’t pay attention to them, tell the church. 

5. If he doesn’t pay attention even to the church, let him be like a Gentile and a tax collector to you. 18 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven. 19 Again, truly I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.”

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

So I urge you and plead you to examine yourselves in these two before you dish them out

Grace - Im choosing to love you through mercy, forgiveness, and togetherness

Truth - Here is the reality/seriousness of the situation & the way to maturity & christlikeness