“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.
Matthew 18:15-17

Dear God, I heard someone refer to this passage recently, tongue in cheek, as their “Matthew 18 rights.”

I kind of had an experience like this lately where I asked to speak with a local church leader privately about something he was pursuing that concerned me. The great news is that this pastor, whom I believe truly loves you in a completely earnest way, is pursuing a line of theology that concerned me. But we have a good relationship, and I felt like we could talk about our disagreement constructively. I asked to meet with him, we had a great lunch, agreed on very little in terms of the specific topic, but then were able to leave still loving each other and assuming the best in each other. Like I said, I absolutely do not question his motives or his love for you. And I don’t think he questions mine. It’s just that, when it comes to this specific issue, we see your will and call on us differently.

I guess I’m relating it to this passage because I didn’t feel the need to publicly call this pastor out. My first reason is my respect for him. The second reason is kind of what I’ve been praying about earlier this week: I’m not 100% sure I’m right. I have my biases. He has his. I am “sure” I’m right. He is “sure” he’s right. Well, maybe we are. Maybe we are both hearing your call. And Maybe we aren’t. Maybe both of us are missing your call on us at some level. What I’m grateful for is that we both have hearts to completely serve and love you.

Father I was scheduled a few weeks ago to teach a Sunday school class at a church that, since that time, is going through a possible split over the LGTBQ+ issue. As I’ve worked on the story of Cornelius, Peter, and the Jerusalem apostles over the last two weeks, and as I continue to work on the lesson, my prayer is that you will infuse it with your presence, your words, and your will for the people who will hear the words I say. Use me. Remove me from the process. Love through me.

I offer this prayer to you in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen