Sunday 6 September 2026

Psalm 149

Background
This is one of those fascinating passages in which a much-loved verse ("For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them") follows something rather unexpected – specific and practical advice for dealing with conflict in a church setting.

This passage comes in the middle of what is sometimes called the ‘community discourse’ (Matthew 18) in which Jesus teaches his disciples how to live together as his followers. It follows the parable of the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14), emphasising that the process described in today’s passage isn’t about punishing transgressors: instead, it’s about restoration and reconciliation, as well as the community’s responsibility towards vulnerable people.

Churches are groups of flawed, fragile human beings united by our need of God’s grace. As such, it’s inevitable that disagreements will arise – and it’s reassuring to know that this has been the case for all 2000 years of the Christian Church’s history. The key is how these situations are addressed. It can be tempting, with the aim of creating a seemingly loving, harmonious community, to ignore conflicts, or paper over the cracks. But this is not what the Bible suggests. It suggests that Christian love provides such a strong enough foundation that conflict can be addressed with openness and honesty. The Methodist Church’s partner ‘Place for Hope’ talks about ways in which conflict can be ‘transformed’ into an opportunity for learning and growth (which isn’t to say that there won’t be extremely awkward moments along the way).

The advice in this passage is designed to ensure that conflicts are addressed quickly and, if possible, privately, to avoid every member of the church being drawn in unless absolutely necessary. It is designed to ensure dignity, truth, accountability and reconciliation, wherever possible. And if someone must be treated as a ‘gentile and a tax collector’ – then it is reassuring to remember that these are the people with whom Jesus spent much of his time. Hope is never lost.

To Ponder:

• Think of a conflict situation you have experienced. What was your response? Looking back, do you wish you had responded differently?
• Would you change any aspect of the advice in this passage?

Bible notes author: The Revd Naomi Oates
Naomi is a Methodist minister, currently serving in four churches across five communities in the North Kent Circuit. When not being rugby-tackled by her two young children, she enjoys cycling, baking and reading Golden Age detective fiction (although not all at the same time).