Tuesday 8th September

Matthew 18:15-20

v15 - Jesus says "if a brother or sister" sins against you. He is using the language of family because Jesus believes the church is family.

How can you as a small group be family together?

How can we behave increasingly as a loving family at St Thomas'?

If someone upsets or hurts us we are to go directly to the person that has upset us without mentioning it to anybody else.

How often do you do this?

Why does Jesus ask us to go straight to the person who has upset us rather than talking about it to anyone else?

Can you think of a time when you have not done this? What were the consequences?

v16-17 - If the issue is not resolved then we are to treat the person as a Pagan and Tax Collector.

What do you think Jesus means by this?

(Remember, Matthew was a tax collector, Jesus loved spending time with people who the religious people looked down upon).

v18-20 - The Church is called to be like a lightning rod for the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Good relationships lead to the blessings of heaven being poured out. So much so, that when two or three gather in unity, Jesus promises to be there.

How does knowing Jesus' presence is with us change the way we view relationships, conflict resolution and each other?

How can we commit to being a church that lives out this teaching?

What impact could this have on society if we were to live this out?

Is there anyone you need to speak to or say sorry to as a result of these verses?

Pray together.