To live beyond ourselves in community with one another there will be sin that has to be dealt with appropriately (Galatians 6:1). God is so practical when it comes to appropriately handling sin - both as we sin against others but also when others sin against us. God's Word, the Bible, is our manual for everything that we will encounter in life. Many times there will not be a set of specific steps to deal with every situation that arises in life. But there are always biblical principles that can be applied to EVERY aspect of life.
In our reading for today, Matthew 18:15-17, God gets very specific of how to address sin that needs to be worked through when it comes to our relationship with other believers.
It's not our job to be the "sin police" for everyone else but when there is sin that comes between us and other believers, then it needs to be dealt with according to God's Word.
We can either overlook it with grace and love (not out of a sense of avoidance) according to Proverbs 19:11-
Proverbs 19:11 (ESV) - Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
Or we can go to the other person in love with the goal of reconciliation according to Matthew 18:15 -
Matthew 18:15 (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.
God even provides an escalation path in verses 16-17 if that doesn't bring reconciliation. But again, it's not my job to point out everyone else's sin but it is my responsibility to engage with sin that I am not able to overlook that effects my relationship with other believers.
God's heart for His people when it comes to living in Biblical community with one another is:
Romans 12:18 (NIV) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
We all have a responsibility to play when it comes to loving one another. It's not always easy but it is required.
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