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NASB | Matthew 18:15 ¶ "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 18:15 ¶ "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens and pays attention to you, you have won back your brother. |
Bible Question:
I will agree with that. But if they do not repent and continue in their ways spreading lies and doing malicious things then what are we to do? If they would repent and ask forgiveness the answer is easy. But if they do not...then where does that leave me? I am told to forgive even if the other person doesn't ask forgiveness. Am I justified in avoiding these people until they repent? |
Bible Answer: You are not only justified in doing that, you are asked, by God, to do that. It is for the good of the other person. be careful, however, that you understand exactly how that is to be done. You should familiarize yourself with the Scriptures concerning these things. 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15 etc. “ And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother”. I believe the Scripture is clear that we should approach the person individually at the outset. Eventually, however, if our individual effort does not have the intended effect, the matter must be taken to the church. It is doubtful that the action of withdrawing from the person will have the intended effect unless it is an action of the church as a whole. The leaders will have to make the decision. Again, there is no such thing as forgiveness without repentance. It is required for a restoration of fellowship among individuals, with the church, and with God. |