S. Matthew 18:18 (NIV) “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be found in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth, will be loosed in heaven.”
O. I always wondered about this “binding” and “loosing” language. Jesus is teaching on relationships of one another. “Binding” means to tie up, to fasten, to delcare to be prohibited.” “Loosing “ means to “free up or untie.”
It appears Jesus is saying when you come together to settle differences (v.15-35) whatever you agree to do, God will honor that. If you agree to restric certain actions or you agree to free up from previous limitations, God will honor that.
A. I will always seek reconciliation with anotehr brotehr or sister in Christ. I value the importance of coming together, talking and finding agreement. When we do this, God honors it. Sometimes we just may have differences that cannot find agreement, other than agreement of each seeking God’s leading in another direction. If we handle this right, God honors that too.
P. Thank you Father for this word today and for bringing me clarity on this topic and passage. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to teach this to others and to practice this “honoring relationships thought” with others. In Jesus’ name.
