Live in Harmony; Allow Each Other To Make Mistakes!

Our ability to live in loving harmony is enabled by God’s gift of patient endurance. Please take 13 minutes and let’s learn how to allow each other to make mistakes.

STM Bible Lesson

Lesson focus: Colossians 3:12-17 (13) and Ecclesiastes 7:20-22 (20). Bible lesson background: In life, we will face many problems we must overcome. One of our greatest challenges is dealing with imperfect people. It is important to remember, that no one is perfect, so we must learn to tolerate each other.

Put up with one another. Forgive one another if you are holding something against someone. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 (NIRV)

Ecclesiastes 7:20 (CEB)

Remember: there’s no one on earth so righteous as to do good only and never make a mistake.

It is possible to live in harmony each day! No matter what others believe, to whom they pray, or how they worship. Our focus in this study is solely on what you do. In Mark 11:25, Jesus says, if you have a complaint, an issue, anger, something or anything against anyone, forgive. Take responsibility, take ownership, and forgive them; it may be difficult, but forgive them. If you want forgiveness from God, forgive others.

Psalm 133:1-3 (NLT)

How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! 2 For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. 3 Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.

We Can Live in Harmony!

When you are praying, and you remember that you are angry with another person about something, then forgive him. If you do this, then your Father in heaven will also forgive your sins.” 26 [But if you don’t forgive other people, then your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins.] Mark 11:25-26 (ICB)

If you have an unresolved issue (KJV: ought) with anyone, fix it! Why be angry, why hold grudges, why not work it out so you can live in harmony with each other? Living in harmony is pleasant, it is precious and refreshing.

FYI or TMI 😉

The word ought/aught means many things when translated from five Greek words:

1. G1163

   δεῖ dei (dei`) (also deon deh-on’) v. 1. it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding). Necessity established by the counsel and decree of God, especially by that purpose of his which relates to the salvation of men by the intervention of Christ and which is disclosed in the Old Testament prophecies concerning what Christ was destined finally to undergo, his sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension. Should; be necessary (as binding); (impersonal verb) it is necessary, must; there is need. Mark 13:14. Luke 12:12; 13:14, 16; 18:1; 24:26. John 4:20. Acts 5:29; 20:35; 24:19; 25:10, 24; 26:9. Romans 8:26; 12:3. 1 Corinthians 8:2. 2 Corinthians 2:3. Ephesians 6:20. Colossians 4:4, 6. 1 Thessalonians 4:1. 2 Thessalonians 3:7. 1 Timothy 5:13. Titus 1:11. Hebrews 2:1. 2 Peter 3:11.

2. G1536

   εἰ τίς ei tis (ei tis’) cond. 1. if any; whoever, whatever. It is binding, it is necessary, it is proper; it is inevitable. 2. aught – Any part, the smallest; a jot or tittle. Mark 8:23; 11:25. Acts 24:19.

3. G3784

   ὀφείλω opheilo (of-ei’-lo) (or (in certain tenses), its prolonged form opheileo of-ei-leh’-o) v. 1. to owe (finacially) 2. (figuratively) to be under obligation, indebted (ought, must, should) 3. (morally) to fail in duty 4. metaph. the goodwill due. John 13:14; 19:7. Acts 17:29. Romans 15:1. 1 Corinthians 11:7, 10. 2 Corinthians 12:11, 14. Ephesians 5:28. Hebrews 5:3, 12. 1 John 2:6; 3:16; 4:11. 3 John 1:8.

4. G5100

   τίς tis (tis’) p/i. 1. some or any person or object; anyone; anything. 2. a certain one, someone, anyone. 3. some or any person or object: – a (kind {of}) any ({man} {thing} thing at {all}) certain ({thing}) {divers} he (every) {man} one (X {thing}) {ought} + {partly} some ({man} {-body} {-thing} {-what}) (+ that no-) {thing} what ({-soever}) X {wherewith} whom {[-soever]} whose ([-soever]). Matthew 5:23; 21:3. Acts 4:32; 28:19. Philemon 1:18.

5. G5534

   χρή chre (khray’) v. 1. it needs (must or should) be 2. it behooves 3. it is necessary; proper, fitting. James 3:10

From the Book of Sirach:

My whole being takes pleasure in three things, and these are beautiful to the Lord and to human beings:

1. harmony among brothers and sisters

2. friendship among neighbors

3. a wife and husband who adapt to each other.

My whole being despises three types of persons, and I am angered by the way they live:

1. an arrogant poor person

2. a rich liar

3. an old adulterer who never learns.

Fix it!

You know our ancestors were told, “Do not murder” and “A murderer must be brought to trial.” 22 But I promise you if you are angry with someone, you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless^G4469, you will be in danger of the fires of hell^Hell.
23 So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back (to the altar^G2379) and offer your gift to God.

25 Before you are dragged into court, make friends with the person who has accused you of doing wrong. If you don’t, you will be handed over to the judge and then to the officer who will put you in jail. 26 I promise you will not get out until you have paid the last cent you owe. Matthew 5:21-26 (OEB)

Raca – worthless

^G4469 KJV ‘ whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca’ ῥακά rhaka (rhak-ah’) aram. 1. O empty one, i.e. thou worthless or empty one; “you are no good or good for nothing” (as a term of utter vilification). ♦ ^Hell– In Judaism, Gehenna (or Ge-hinnom) is a fiery place where the wicked are punished after they die or on Judgment Day, a figurative equivalent for “Hell.” ♦ ^G2379 θυσιαστήριον thusiasterion (thoo-see-as-tay’-ree-on) n. 1. a place of sacrifice, i.e. an altar; a place to meet with God.

The King James and many early translators of Matthew 5:23 use the phrase “thy brother hath ought against thee”. Some translations change the spelling to the more appropriate “aught” and Noah Webster states in the 1828 dictionary edition, ‘This word should not be written ought.’ A brief explanation: the word ‘ought’ translated from Greek has over 22 different meanings; not once is it in reference to someone having something [a complaint, issue, etc.] against you.

Allow each other to make mistakes

Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. 32 Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ. Ephesians 4:31-32 (ICB)

You should do your best to live in harmony with other believers. Do what you must live in agreement with others. If the Holy Spirit reminds you of someone that has something against you, do not delay or hesitate to go to that person and resolve the matter, do not wait.

Live in peace

• Remember this, my dear brothers and sisters: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and should not get angry easily. 20 An angry person doesn’t do what God approves of. 21 So get rid of all immoral behavior and all the wicked things you do. Humbly accept the word that God has placed in you. This word can save you. James 1:19-21 (GW)
• My friends, don’t say cruel things about others! If you do, or if you condemn others, you are condemning God’s Law. And if you condemn the Law, you put yourself above the Law and refuse to obey either it 12 or God who gave it. God is our judge, and he can save or destroy us. What right do you have to condemn anyone?
  James 4:11-12 (CEV)
• Wish good for [Bless] those who harm [persecute] you; wish them well [bless] and do not curse them. 15 Be happy [Rejoice] with those who are happy [rejoice], and be sad [weep] with those who are sad [weep]. 16 Live in peace [harmony] with each other. Do not be proud [arrogant; haughty], but make friends with those who seem unimportant [associate with the humble/those of low social status; or be willing to do lowly tasks]. Do not think how smart [wise; superior] you are. Romans 12:14-16 (EXB)

Scriptures to read and study

Colossians 3:1-17 (focus verses: 12-17); Matthew 6:5-15 (focus verses: 14-15); Romans 15:1-6 (focus verses: 5-6); Colossians 3:12-17 (focus verses: 12-14); Romans 14:14-23 (focus verses: 19); Ephesians 4:25-32 (focus verses: 31-32); Romans 12:9-21 (focus verses: 14-16); Philippians 2:1-4 (focus verse: 2)

Conclusion

Dealing with conflict is a one-to-four-step process. Jesus tells us to 1) First of all, keep it private; just between you and the other person. 2) If that does not work, take 1 or 2 others. 3) As a last resort attempt to resolve the matter, involve the congregation. 4) If all failed, the final step is to excommunicate [shun] the person.

“If your fellow believer sins against you, go and tell him in private what he did wrong. If he listens to you, you have helped that person to be your brother or sister again. 16 But if he refuses to listen, go to him again and take one or two other people with you. ‘Every case may be proved by two or three witnesses.’ 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, then treat him like a person who does not believe in God or like a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17 (NCV)

James 3:2 (TLB)

Dear brothers, don’t be too eager to tell others their faults, for we all make many mistakes; and when we teachers of religion, who should know better, do wrong, our punishment will be greater than it would be for others. If anyone can control his tongue, it proves that he has perfect control over himself in every other way.

As I close this study please meditate on this;

1. Stay encouraged and put up with each other, we all make mistakes.
2. Do your best to resolve issues, disagreements, and differences of opinion between each other quickly. Make peace and remain friends.
3. Be happy, of good comfort, and joyful. Don’t say mean things to, about, or judge others.
4. Desire good things for those who hurt you. Share the experiences (be empathetic) of others.

Live in unity and peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, loving each other as a family in accord with Christ Jesus. Be of one mind in the Spirit and be blessed—♥ Tim. ☺

Related Bible studies/lessons/snacks for your Spiritual growth:

Control; Learn How To Handle Yourself In Better Ways! – an estimated 4-minute read.

Backbiting is Backstabbing and It Does Not Show Love! – an estimated 10-minute read.

Slander; An Act of Hate and Not of Love – an estimated 25-minute read.

♥ Question for “Live in Harmony”: Do you live in harmony with everyone, especially other believers?

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