Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process for Christians to handle disputes with one another. The passage begins by stating that if a brother or sister sins against another, the offended party should go to the offender and confront them about their actions. This is done privately, between the two individuals, in order to resolve the issue as quickly and discreetly as possible.
If the offender refuses to listen, the offended party is instructed to take one or two other believers along with them in order to provide support and serve as witnesses to the confrontation. This helps to ensure that the matter is handled in a fair and just manner.
If the offender still refuses to repent, the matter is to be brought before the church. This is done in order to provide a sense of accountability for the offender and to ensure that the community as a whole is aware of the issue. The offender's actions should be dealt with accordingly.
It is important to note that throughout this process, the goal is to restore the offender to fellowship with the community, not to punish or exclude them. The offender is encouraged to repent and to make restitution for their actions. Additionally, Christians are called to forgive those who repent, even as they themselves have been forgiven by God.
This passage is often referred to as the "Matthew 18 process" which is a biblical way to handle conflicts and disputes between brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a process that starts with private confrontation and ends with church discipline, in order to maintain the unity of the body of Christ. It is a model of how to address sin in a biblical way and how to restore relationships.
It's also worth mentioning that this process is not just for dealing with major sins or disputes, it's also appropriate for addressing minor issues such as misunderstandings or hurt feelings. In fact, it's always better to address any issue as soon as possible, before it escalates into something bigger.
In summary, Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process for Christians to handle disputes with one another. The passage encourages believers to confront one another in a private and discreet manner, to take one or two other believers along with them to provide support and serve as witnesses, and if necessary, to bring the matter before the church. The goal throughout this process is to restore the offender to fellowship with the community and to maintain the unity of the body of Christ.
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