Living in community is often empowering, but other times difficult and never easy in practice. People are different and not everyone one wants to play by the rules of life together. Living within Christian communities of faith are frequently very similar. We know there can be differences of opinion, disputes and individuals who continue living out their old ways – before they knew Christ. Here (in Matthew 18:15-20) Jesus provides a Kingdom-based model for people living in faith communities of how to deal with others who continue in sin, without repentance. Obviously, where disagreements take place: the goals are mediation and reconciliation – with an outcome that allows everyone to keep living together in community. But if there is breakdown that is unreconcilable and irretrievable – then after much discernment by the group and leadership – a decision is sometimes made with the unrepentant individual leaving the community. And in all stages, these steps provided should be applied and ‘bound’ with love. With the ultimate hope that the person may one day repent, be forgiven, and return to the fold. However, we also need to be careful how we interpret this model, particularly in applying these steps in practical terms. That’s why Jesus also says that: if two or more agree or decide, after a mutually discerned – prayerful reflection, that God will support it. And where two or three people, in these circumstances, gather – coming together to make such difficult decisions, in his name, that Christ will be there amongst them. Shouldn’t that be our objective and hope?
Mark
*What are some of the difficulties for you in living in Christian community?
*How are we called to respond to someone who continues to offend without repentance?
