It is right and good to seek the wisdom that comes from above for your meeting with your brother. But do not think merely of reaching consensus on problematic topics as if by human cleverness; rather, aim for what is far higher: the recovery of a brother for the glory of God. Remember what the Apostle teaches: when reconciliation happens, both sides gain what they had lost. Before this meeting, enmity has already caused loss, the one of his brother, the other of his own peace. So pray not simply for a smooth settlement, but that through God’s guidance you may truly gain your brother, and he gain you, in Christ. That is the great blessing wherein no question remains unclear, for love covers all.
True wisdom is not the wisdom of this world, which passes away and leaves the heart empty. The world’s wisdom often seeks to win arguments, protect pride, and secure advantage. But God’s wisdom, though it may appear foolish to those without, is powerful to save and unite. It is a wisdom hidden from the cunning, yet revealed to the humble. When you enter that meeting, lay aside all reliance on your own understanding. The wisdom that comes from God is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy. Ask the Lord to fill you with this, so that even if your brother speaks harshly or clings to error, you may answer with grace. Do not seek to conquer him by logic alone, but to win him by love, for a brother gained is a treasure that perishes not.
Consider how the Scriptures honor the bond between those who share one Father. Whether in the world or in solitude, every believer is a brother because of the washing of regeneration. Therefore, treat this meeting as a sacred thing. Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. If there are grievances, remember the law of Christ: bear one another’s burdens. Do not enter with suspicion, but with hope. Even if the conversation stirs up pain, do not let the sun go down on provocation; let the healing begin at that table. Your goal is not merely an agreement on paper, but a restoration of fellowship that glorifies God.
I will pray with you that the Spirit of counsel and might overshadow that meeting. And you, prepare your heart by examining it honestly. Are there logs in your own eye? Then remove them first, and you will see clearly to help your brother. Walk in the steps of the Apostle, who became all things to all men that he might save some. Let your approach be not demanding rights, but serving in love. Trust that God who foreordained our glory before the ages will guide your words. Go not in your own strength, but in the name of Jesus Christ, and He will give you both the wisdom and the unity that reflect His own heart.