The Wandering Sheep And Christian Division
In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. – Matthew 18:14
We have read the parable of the wandering sheep many times and the classic teaching is that the one sheep is the lost sinner who does not know Jesus. Of course that can be true, but in context this passage in Matthew 18 seems to be speaking of the weaker members of the body of Christ. It is where in the body of Christ where there are 99 healthy Christians and 1 Christian is offended and stumbled, departing from the faith. The Lord’s heart is more for the restoration and help of this one person then over the larger amount of believers. We have all been witnesses of such great disagreements in the Church where someone is very hurt and departs from the fellowship. Sometimes the others felt they were justified and it was good that individual left. But in many cases to be right doctrinally in less important matters would have not been as important as showing Christian love to the other brother or sister seeking reconciliation. We can all differ at many points but we should seek unity and not to offend our fellow brethren. Most disagreements are never just one sided but if both sides waited for the other to admit wrong, usually the division will continue.
When we humble ourselves as children being willing to admit wrong we become more like God children. Do you see yourself as mature, as a Father spiritually in the faith? Seek to care for and love the weak, the helpless, those believers who really do not have it all together or might be saying wrong things. A sign of an spiritual Shepherd is that they are able to teach the true doctrine of God in gentleness to others (1 Timothy 3:3, 2 Timothy 2:25). Some in the body of Christ are like wandering sheep, hurt, confused and needing gentle correction to be lead back to the truth. Have you caused someone to be offended and stumble over your words? Go back to that person, admit your fault, ask forgiveness today. God will honour such a step, so that you can confess as the Apostle Paul, “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man” (Acts 24:16). Lastly, we are told we will not see the Lord without having his holy character towards others: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy” (Hebrews 12:14). And therefore you will share the heart of the Lord to seek peace and help those who have been offended in the Church.
