“And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector” (Matthew 18:17).
The second part of this teaching is for the sake of the fellowship. In our day, many have wolf-like behavior because no one will confront them. Their behavior may be abominable, but we do not confront them. Remember that the goal is repentance. Like us, we want them to be a part of the body of Christ and not acting as if they are in charge. If Jesus is not in charge, it is not the church.
Lord, You have seen abominable behavior over and over. Help me to not be influenced by the wicked one to think that humility is accepting unacceptable behavior. Help me to be willing to go whatever length I am able to not only for the sake of my neighbor, but also for the sake of the fellowship in which You have placed me. You must lead me, for I do not know the heart of my neighbor.
Holy Spirit, guide me to always listen to You. If You call for me to confront another, or to be one of the two or three that must do so, be the One who guides us. Help me always to move beyond my place of comfort to do what You are asking me to do. Through all things, help me to be a part of building up the fellowship of the communion of saints. Lead me in Your wisdom to do what You give me to do. Amen.
