Monday – Helping each other grow

For the next few days we will look at what Jesus says in Matthew 18:15-20 about sin and relationship and conversation and restoration. It’s a hard topic. It hurts to talk to other people about sin, both theirs and ours.

However, our calling as followers is to follow better, closer, more completely, more freely. Helping each other in this calling is pretty important.

Tuesday – Beginning a community of trust

This is a quiet conversation, a humble conversation, a Jesus-righteous rather than self-righteous conversation. This is a conversation between two people. … This is an invitation to a community of helping each other see what we can’t see ourselves and being grateful that others will do the same for us.

Wednesday – But, did Jesus?

Jesus consistently put himself in the presence of people who had sinned and gently but specifically pointed out the problem, offered forgiveness, and continued to have  a relationship with them. There is a serious informality, a warmth. Sometimes we see a response. Sometimes we don’t. Likely, there are many such conversations we don’t see.

When Jesus says, “If your brother sins, tell him,” Jesus was merely saying, “Here’s the restoration principle you have been watching me live.”

Thursday – maybe it will work

But for many of us, most of the time, we are not planning to pursue willfully a flagrant disregard of God’s directions. In fact, for many of us, most of the time, a close friend, a spouse, a sibling, a child approaching us and saying that it looks like we have sinned and that they are concerned for us will cause us to stop.

Friday – to the next level

This isn’t about ganging up. It’s about slowing down, listening to be sure of what each is saying.

It’s an unrush to judgment.