What is the biggest mistake believers make? Answer:  we fight among ourselves. Last weekend there was a super bowl commercial from the people who produce He Gets Us. A lot of controversy surrounded it from the Christian community. The problem is not so much the discussion itself but the fact it was done in a way that goes against the teachings of Jesus. When we do that Christianity looks foolish.

It does not matter what you think about the commercial. You can think whatever you want. God gave you a brain. However how you use your brain is what is in question.

Jesus gives instructions on how to handle this perceived situation in Matthew 18:15-17.

I have looked into the He Gets Us campaign website. I see their heart. I think it is admirable what they are doing. Can they make a mistake, sure, so can you. Matthew 18:15-17 says when you think something is wrong follow these three steps. Step 1 is going to the person. Step 2 bring someone else with you (who has no skin in the game), and step 3 go public.

I cannot stress this enough THESE MUST BE DONE IN ORDER!

Step 1 is so important because of three possible outcomes. (1) Maybe that person was wrong and did not know it, now they have the chance to fix it. (2) Maybe what they said did not come across as they intended, they were not wrong, just did not execute it well, now they have the chance to correct it. (3) And then there is another possibility many do not take into account. What if when you talk to them and they explain themselves, you find out you were wrong?

This is the wisest advice ever given to humans and yet we ignore it all the time. By going to the person or the organization FIRST you keep it all in house and all can be worked out. When we go to the masses, we allow people to become “experts” on what they think the other person did, said, or meant to say. No one is ever an expert on what someone else thinks. It is impossible.

Jesus asks us to do this, so we do not have a mess. This is why Christians leave churches, why churches have fights, and this precisely why the world does not trust Christianity because we do not handle things like Jesus, and we look crazy.

Yes, we have to point out what is wrong and right in this world, but we do not have to do it in public. I think a very strong case can be made that when we do this in public the results are always negative on those who matter most to Jesus, those who have not accepted Him.

When done correctly, privately, real change can happen because the person is not embarrassed. When in public the natural reaction is to defend yourself, when done in love privately introspection can happen and change one’s life for the better!

Jesus is saddened by the harm done to his people. We get upset with one another and allow the devil to break us apart from the inside. Jesus wants us to all walk together and love one another. We will all have different opinions on things, we are human. Unity is not ageing on everything, but saying we will walk together on this journey no matter what because Jesus loves you, so I love you, and you are awesome! And be genuine about it.

Why don’t Christians follow this more? It takes work. It can also take time, and we want things now. For example, the He Gets Us website has a place where you can sign up. Then you can contact them. I am pretty sure they would respond. It may take time to respond, but why not give them, or anyone, the time to respond instead of letting something blow up in the wrong way.

It is much easier to just jump on each other and go that is wrong and tell everyone about it. However, Jesus says this is wrong because it never produces a good result. This is why Christian’s stop being friends, change churches, why church splits happen, and the devil loves it, and we should not allow this to happen.

We cannot do Matthew 18:15-17 backwards EVER. This situation may seem trivial in this commercial. But how many are being turned away from Jesus because of the discussion about the commercial. How many Christians who fellowshipped together are not rethinking that? We cannot make the devil’s job easier!

God gave us simple rules to follow so His mission, His love comes shining through. Yes, Jesus gets us, but most importantly He wants us to find Him!

Remember Jesus loves you; I love you, and you are awesome!