restoration process

Matthew 18:15-17

The key word in this passage is listen. It is repeated three times. Jesus is teaching his disciples what to do when another disciple sins. In the immediate context it is likely that Jesus is specifically referencing the sin of individualism and causing a humbled one to stumble. This is reinforced by the assumed response of the offender - they don't listen.
The process Jesus lays out is for one person who notices the sin to point out the fault to the other disciple in private. If the offending disciple does not listen, the one who noticed the sin should take one or two others along. If the offending disciple still does not listen, the one who noticed the sin should inform the faith community. If the offending disciple still does not listen, the church is to treat them like a pagan or tax collector.
There are two things that convict me. The first is that I skip the first step in the process entirely. I am too much of a politician and I want to know that people will back me up if I go and confront someone so I reveal the offense to a few others before I go to the offender. This is gossip! I must stop doing this! I must grow a pair and stop being afraid of confrontation that I know is, for the most part, motivated by love. Most of the time I truly want the best for the person I need to confront.
Second is how the church is supposed to treat the unrepentant offender. I think I've read this so long as, "Cast that person out and have nothing to do with them." I think what Jesus is saying is, "If they do not listen to the church, they are likely not truly my disciple. You must speak the truth in love to them in the same way that you would speak truth in love to anyone who is not yet my disciple. You must pursue them like the shepherd pursues the lost sheep. You must lead them to repentance and to true faith." In the context of the shepherd of 100 sheep who loses one, this reading makes the most sense. This is why I love doing devo's this way - I am more consistent which allows me to see things in context better which gives me a better and fuller understanding of the Word. Thanks for doing this with me!