If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. —Matthew 18:15 

A small commotion in my neighbors’ yard caught my attention as I was returning from my early-morning workout. They were huddled over a plant near the fence, pointing at and discussing something on it. Black caterpillars, I later learned. Lots of fat, hairy caterpillars that they feared were a threat to their garden. They were pondering how best to get rid of the caterpillars without harming them. After a bit of research, they decided to try spraying them with a diluted vinegar-and-soap mixture. 

A few days later, I spotted one of the caterpillars in my carport, and I went straight to my kitchen for the roach spray. I had already blasted it with the poison when I realized it was a future butterfly I just killed! I regretted not trying my neighbors’ vinegar-and-soap remedy. 

Afterward, as I reflected on my action, I realized it’s the same way sin is sometimes dealt with in the church: without mercy. Meanwhile, I’ve also seen the other extreme: blatant sin ignored and uncorrected. In local churches worldwide, there are various kinds of responses when a member or leader sins:

A loving response

A decisive response

A slow response

A measured response

A hesitant response

A reluctant response

A fearful response

A harsh response

A verbal response

A written response

A private response

A public response

No response  

In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus leaves clear instructions for how sin is to be dealt with in the church: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

It's a loving, measured approach that Jesus commands. But it’s an active approach, not turning a blind eye or hoping the issue would go away. The goal is to restore the person to a right relationship with God and with the brother or sister they've wronged. Church discipline, as it is sometimes called, can be hard and uncomfortable for all involved. However, it is an important part of discipleship in the local church: teaching members, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to become more like Jesus. Supporting the caterpillar so it becomes the butterfly it is meant to.  

How would you describe your church’s approach to dealing with sin among members? If there’s room for improvement, how might you be able to help?

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