15 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector
I have always had trouble with this scripture reading.
I agree we should call out and recognize the misdeeds of our fellow Christians but as far as treating them as a pagan or a tax collector I see that as a judgement that I cannot make.
I read some interpretations of this and I feel if I were to call someone out for a sinful deed I must be compassionate and forgiving. I do not feel it is my place to ostracise that person.
How do you feel?
Gospel for Sunday Sept 7th 2011
3 comments:
I've had the same thoughts about this verse as you Peggy!! Someone then explained to me that treating them as a pagan or a tax collector means that I should see them as still needing a Savior, still needing Christ. We don't ostracize folks who don't know Christ,(like you rightly said!) but rather show them God's love in countless ways so that they will see HIM in and through us. We should pray for their salvation! -- I do need to remind myself of this on occasion, lol!
You have said it beautifully, Peggy ... as has Karin.
TTFN ~
Have a beautiful holiday ~
Hugs,
Marydon
Jesus had some hard words, which can be difficult to decipher in current society. They would likely have resonated at the time, but it's harder now. Nevertheless, I am dumbfounded by how easily Christians dismiss and ignore his words (not referring to this post -- just a general observation and something that I contemplate from time to time).
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