Please Don’t Come Forward

Brothers or sisters had a serious conflict with each other. One of the parties comes during the invitation song and writes on a card to be read to the congregation, “I’ve thought, done, and said things I shouldn’t have. Please forgive me.”

1.   They’ve never addressed the issues and actions that divided them.

2.   The offended party wants to discuss what led to the conflict.

3.   Someone replies, “They came forward. You have to forgive them.”

4.   Who made that rule?

5.   Obey Instructions – They haven’t followed Jesus’ instructions about reconciliation. Luke 17:3, 4; Matthew 5:23-25; Matthew 18:15-17

6.   Joseph example – Joseph’s brothers felt guilty years after they sinned against him. Genesis 42:18-21 Joseph was ready to forgive. Genesis 45:1-9 Even though Joseph was ready to release them, they still felt guilty and fearful when their father died.
They were released when they confessed their sins and asked for Joseph’s forgiveness. Genesis 50:15-21; James 5:16

7.   So don’t “come forward” if you need to talk privately with someone.

8.   Easy way out – It’s easier to “come forward” than to rebuke a brother. Luke 17:3, 4
It’s easier to “come forward” than to leave the worship assembly and pursue reconciliation with a brother. Matthew 5:23-25
 

9.   Front row confessional – Someone invented the “coming forward” rule years after Jesus gave His instructions to both the offended and the offender.