Matthew 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 18:15-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15"If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. Verse 16But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. Verse 17If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Verse 18Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Verse 19Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. Verse 20For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."
Devotion
Few people are fond of confrontation, myself included. Most of us would rather pretend there is no problem or, if there is, hope it will resolve itself so we don’t have to confront the offender.
But as difficult as confrontation can be, it is usually the most needful thing. Without confrontation, the truth cannot be told, and there can be no healing.
Like any other community, the church is made up of sinful people. Therefore we should not be surprised when its people do things that offend and hurt us. Jesus could see it coming from the very beginning, so he laid out this plan of action. It is a practical, effective plan for peace and reconciliation. So if a member of the church sins against you, take a look at this text and use it to do that which is helpful and good.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, give us courage and strength to confront those who sin against us. Let us not remain silent when real offenses have been committed, but speak the truth in love, so that healing can begin. Amen.