15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector….. 21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
Matthew 18:15-17,21-22
Q & A：
- What is your way of dealing with strained relationships in your personal life or workplace? Is there any challenging aspect for you when it comes to dealing with offensive behavior? Describe how Jesus dealt with situations involving offense. (Matt 18:15-17; 1 Peter 3:7; 1 Cor 3:1-3; Rom 13:9e)
- How does God deal with the fact that human sin offends His glory, and how does He restore the relationship with us? Share what the principles and practices Jesus used that are helpful to restoring the relationship and how you encounter Jesus in your story of redemption. (Matt 18:15-16; Rom 3:23; Rom 5:1)
- Based on the teachings of the Bible, what are your thoughts on the concept of forgiving someone who has wronged or offended you countless times? What can we do when confronting them does not seem to work? Please share your insights on how we can adopt a lifestyle that pursues love and lives peaceably with those around you. (Matt 18:22; Rom 12:17-18; Rom 14:19; John 21:15)