Back when we launched Life Church in 2013, I gave a message that summer on navigating a break-up or betrayal.
I recently stumbled upon my message notes from that Sunday and thought I’d share them here, for what it’s worth!
- Paul and Barnabus part ways in Acts 15:35-38. If break-up and betrayal could happen to the Gospel All-Stars, it can and will happen to you and me!
- Followers of Jesus are not promised rainbows, skittles, and unicorns. You WILL have troubles and heartaches!
- You can't please everyone but you can keep reconciliation as your goal.
Step One in a Betrayal or Break-Up: Your REACTION determines your REACH.
- Jesus gives very practical instructions in Matthew 18:15-17 on how to deal with people who have hurt you: go to the person quickly, privately, and humbly!
- Verse 17 does NOT advocate shunning. Who Would Jesus Shun?
- "But they deserve to be shunned." Really? Even if everything you say about this person is true, are you treating them the way Jesus would treat them? If someone is acting like a pagan or tax collector, how would Jesus approach them...?
- Jesus always walked TOWARD people, not AWAY!
- If someone is taking shots at your children, I'm sorry, but that is demonic. You are never more like Satan than when you accuse and you are never more like Jesus than when you advocate and forgive!
- Ephesians 4:26-27 tells us to deal with our issues TODAY. Don't allow "little" beefs to get bottled up over time or you will explode like a volcano.
Step Two in a Betrayal or Break-Up: Nobody wins when you trash talk.
- Have a beef? Don't blab it on Facebook... go to the person and get it resolved!
- If you are a man or woman of God, you do NOT have permission to accuse or slander.
- If you are a son or daughter of the Most High, honor and integrity are your shield. Even if you are accused and innocent, it is not necessary to defend yourself in the public square (I am speaking from EXPERIENCE here!!).
- Ephesians 6:12 tells us that if they have flesh and blood, they are NOT our enemy! The Enemy is the enemy!!
Step Three in a Betrayal or Break-Up:
Moving on doesn't mean you've stopped caring; it means you can't change it.
- Always keep the Welcome Mat out for reconciliation but never for condemnation.
