Like a tax collector

From today's reading: "If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. . . But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed. . . If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. " Matthew 18:15-17

This is a slippery scripture - totally misunderstood by some people. My feeling is first that this provides a good model for dealing with people who have hurt you; NOT for judging people for the way they live their life. (That is the job of the Holy Spirit - not us.) When someone has done something to hurt you, go talk to them about it. Chances are really good that you can work things out.

The second thing is that this has been used to badger people you don't agree with or who are believed to be 'sinful,' and to "unfriend" them in life - an even kick them out of the church. For those who use this in that way, my question is, "How did Jesus treat tax collectors?" He did not snub them or avoid them or ignore them. He befriended them. He visited them in their homes. He ate with them.

That doesn't mean that you have to go along with a friend who is doing something illegal or self-destructive. I don't think that Paul's proclamation to become all things to all people means we have to put ourselves in jeopardy. We have to strike a balance in life between being available to those may need us and allowing ourselves to become sucked into the midst of their problems. May God keep us all open to those in need of his love. Amen.