Today we continue sharing the series “Give Us This Day”

... and today we are going to deal with something in which we will call “Eat the Frog!” Matthew 6:11 (NKJV)  “Give us this day our daily bread.”
If you ever have to eat the frog, the best time to do it is first thing in the morning. If you have one of those days where you have to eat two frogs, then eat the big frog first. Mark Twain’s advice. Why eat the frog first thing in the morning you may ask? It is because you can go through the rest of your day knowing that the most difficult thing is behind you. Conflict in church is never easy but we have a biblical pattern to follow. Eat the frog!

1. Stop Avoiding Conflict. Eat the Frog. Matthew 18:15 (NCV) “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.” The whole purpose of conflict, especially in the church, should be for restoration. Paul said in Gal. 6:1 “if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness… Contrary to what you may have heard or even believe, biblical conflict is healthy for the church and the person who practices it is someone who is spiritual and mature. Please understand that practicing biblical conflict according to Mat. 18 is only good and effective when we realize that it works both ways. If you go to someone to confront them, being willing for people to come to you. Be sensitive to Holy Spirit.

2. Sometimes You Have to Eat Another Frog – Take Others with You. Matthew 18:16 (NLT2) “But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.”  We can actually think that this is a negative because it seems like or feels like you are ganging up on the person. If the witnesses also have a heart for restoration and for the situation to be healed, it can be a positive thing for everyone in the room.

3. One More Frog to Eat – Tell It to the Church. Matthew 18:17 (NLT2) “If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.” We only had to do this once in almost 31 years and I brought in my presbyter to give wisdom and guidance. It always helps to have those in authority over you to help you eat really nasty frogs. Eating frogs and praying Lord, give me this day may not seem to be the easy route, but hear your pastor, it is the healthy route for the body of Christ. Please know this principle works at home too (tough love) and at work. God’s Word works everywhere. Pray, Lord, give me this day, and, then, eat the frog.