C30.03.92.htm

THOSE "SENDING OUT MERELY CONTENTIONS"
ARE "GOOD-FOR-NOTHING". UNREPENTANT ONES
ARE "BROKEN" WITH "NO HEALING". (Prov 6:12-15).

The advice given in Proverbs 6:2-5 to you who have become "ensnared by the sayings of your mouth" is to "Go humble yourself and storm your fellowman with importunities". It means to beseech the one you have offended with persistent but humble requests for forgiveness for the sins of your mouth.

The validity of a request for forgiveness by a persistent offender should be examined as to its sincerity by those who are spiritually qualified. As scripture says: "A man gifted with the Spirit can judge the worth of everything, but is not himself subject to judgement by his fellow-men." For those qualified by an anointing from God "possess the mind of Christ." (1 Cor 2:15,16 NEB. 1 John 2:27).

According to the scriptural principle, we should seek the forgiveness of the one we have offended before offering a sacrificial "gift" to our Heavenly Father Jehovah and seeking His forgiveness. (Matt 5:23,24 NEB). A person who is truly repentant would give evidence of this through the bearing of good "fruits" in his life thereafter, as befits their repentance. (Matt 3:8. 7:17-20. Gal 5:22-24). Rather than consoling ourselves with sin, we must separate ourselves from further destructive behaviour and yield to the service of righteousness, as manifest to those with faith. (Rom 6:19 NEB).

Anyone nursing anger or "sending out merely contentions" against brothers in the faith cannot possibly offer themselves as a "gift" to Jehovah while placing themselves under the Judgement of God. (Matt 5:22 NEB). Just as in the world a person must "be about settling matters quickly with the one complaining against you at law", so you must not delay or make excuses for your conduct, but must "make your peace with your brother". (Matt 5:24,25).

With regard to repentant ones the apostle Paul gave this caution: "Now if anyone has caused sadness, he has saddened, not me, but all of you to an extent not to be too harsh in what I say. This rebuke given by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary now, you should kindly forgive and comfort him, that somehow such a man may not be swallowed up by his being overly sad. Therefore I exhort you to confirm your love for him. For to this end also I write to ascertain the proof of you, whether you are obedient in all things. Anything you kindly forgive anyone, I do too. In fact, as for me, whatever I have kindly forgiven, if I have kindly forgiven anything, it has been for your sakes in Christ's sight; that we may not be overreached by satan, for we are not ignorant of his designs." (2 Corinthians 2:5-11).

As for obstinately unrepentant ones who have had their offences against brothers and/or sisters in the faith made known to them regarding improper speech and/or conduct, but who continue to cause sadness, they shall be broken without healing. For such ones lose all hope of making a good repentance to gain immortal spirit life. (2 Esdras 7:79-82 NEB). That is why repentance and settling matters promptly and peacefully with those in the faith is of the utmost importance.

30/3/92.