Jesus outlines a process for resolving disputes within the Christian community. The initial steps involve private and then small group interventions, aiming to restore the person gently. If these efforts fail, the issue is to be presented to the church, highlighting the importance of communal involvement and accountability. The church acts as a collective body seeking reconciliation and truth. If the person remains unrepentant, they are to be treated as an outsider, akin to pagans or tax collectors. In Jesus' time, these groups were often marginalized, yet Jesus himself demonstrated love and outreach towards them. This suggests that while the person may be distanced from the community, they are not to be abandoned or condemned. The ultimate goal remains reconciliation and restoration, reflecting the broader Christian principles of forgiveness and love. This process underscores the balance between maintaining community integrity and extending grace and compassion.
If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
Matthew 18:17
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