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
Of all the things Jesus told us to do, this might be one of the most difficult. Confronting someone who has hurt us is not an easy thing to do. It is much easier to talk to others about what the person did or avoid the person and the issue altogether. Some people even think that, to move on from the hurt, is the equivalent of condoning the hurtful action. Yet rarely do these sorts of actions lead to healing, forgiveness and peace.
That is why Jesus gives us these clear instructions regarding how to handle some of life's trickiest situations. He knows dealing with sin is the only way for it not to control us. He knows that being honest about sin is the only way to promote and experience the kind of life God intends for us.
Following Jesus' instructions is not necessarily easy, but doing so does lead to life, healing and peace.
Prayer
Gracious God, grant us strength and good courage to do that which is of you, regardless of how difficult your commands might seem. Work through us in all our relationships to promote life, healing, forgiveness and peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.