Matthew 18:15-20 (ESV)
"If your brother sins against you, go
and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you
have gained your brother. [16] But if he does not listen, take one or two
others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of
two or three witnesses. [17] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the
church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a
Gentile and a tax collector. [18] Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on
earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed
in heaven. [19] Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything
they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. [20] For where two
or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Questions for Reflection
1. What are some typical approaches people adopt in conflicts or disagreements?
2. What societal forces work to divide families, friendships, and churches?
3. What positive consequences can result from resolving conflict? (18:15)
4. What should we do if a person will not listen to correction and does not want to work things out? (18:16)
5. Why is it best to resolve conflicts in private?
6. What attitudes can eliminate or help reduce friction in disagreements?
7. How can a third party help resolve a conflict?
8. When should we air our grievances in public?
9. How can gossip cause our conflicts to escalate?
10. How can your church play a role in difficult or very serious quarrels?
