Cedar Valley Lutheran Church

Pentecost 15A        Sept. 6, 2026         Matt. 18:15-20

 

Jesus gives us some very specific instructions about what the church should do if one in the family of faith falls into sin. It is almost a “how to” list taking us step by step through the process.

Step one confronts the issue one on one. If that doesn’t work go to step two and try intervening with one or two others. And if that doesn't work go to step three and involve the whole community in resolving the wrong that has been identified. And, finally, if that fails, go to step four and cut them off and kick them out as if they were a gentile or a tax collector. If nothing else these seem like straightforward rules of engagement that when used as only a legalistic guide to follow often causes a lot of pain and injustice and abuse.

 

I want to consider another way of looking at this. Instead, I think the point is less about having a set of rules to follow and more about regaining a relationship with a brother or sister. I think the main concern doesn’t have anything to do with settling disputes and differences but creating an environment where Christ’s presence continues to bring forgiveness and healing and joy. Basically, Jesus is telling us to do the hard work of being responsible for each other. But why? Why should we walk the extra mile with those who sin? Why should we go sticking our noses in somebody else’s business?

 

One answer seems obvious. We need to do it for their sake. We need to do it for their reconciliation and wellbeing. We need to do it so that they can again be connected with God and live in a positive, healthy, and life-giving relationship with God’s people.

 

But there is another reason we need to step into these uncomfortable situations. We need to do it for our sake as well. We need to do it because as Paul writes in his first letter to the Corinthians, that, in Christ, we unique and important parts of a single body and when one part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers. We are intricately interwoven with each other and we need to understand that whatever blesses one, blesses all, and whatever diminishes one, diminishes the whole.

 

But there is more, lest we think this is meant only for somebody else – somebody who has done something really wrong and requires confrontation. The fact is that none of us are perfect – we have all screwed up. We could all use a visit from a sister or brother in the faith to lovingly help us see where it is that we have fallen and failed and who will compassionately hold us accountable.

 

Let me put it another way. Our gospel reading for today closes with these familiar words of Jesus, “for where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” The thing is that sin always leaves a person alone. And by leaving our siblings alone in their sin we are robbing them of the love of God that comes through Jesus who makes himself known where two or three are gathered and, therefore, where the communion of saints is present. Because, you see, without my brother, I am alone, and without me, my sister is alone, and without community Christ is not present.

 

I don’t need to tell you that there is so much going on in our world right now that is troubling and overwhelming. And this is why and this is when the world desperately needs us to be the body of Christ. Yes, being an authentic community is hard work and it’s risky and is loaded with challenges. But it is also powerful and healing and a tremendous witness to the power of love and forgiveness and grace. And, it is worth it, it is always worth it.

 

And when we grow weary of following the path Jesus has set before us, it is important to remember and remind each other that we have Jesus’ promise that each and every time we try, he is with us … instructing us in the ways of love, urging us on, forgiving us, and using us as agents of reconciliation and love and peace wherever we go.

 

 

NAME THE HURT Steve Garnaas Holmes

 

Well, don’t go for “sin” or “fault”;

it’s too easy, and useless, to judge,

but pay attention to “hurt.”

Defy that voice of false politeness

and the repression of the truth.

If someone hurts you,

go toward them, not away,

and name the hurt.

Neither hide nor retaliate, even politely,

simply, gently tell the truth as you understand it.

Claim your part of it,

even if just to receive it,

and to give them access to their part as well.

Not to nail them, not to relieve yourself,

but because you love them.

 

Be prepared to listen to their journey, and to your own.

Think of it as opening a door

to a place neither of you have gone before,

and can’t without the other.

Think of it as opening the door to that Jesus place.

Imagine how refreshing the air would be

in a community of open, caring honesty

without that hidden bucket of hurt

fermenting under the kitchen sink.

 

In the dark places where our hurts lie

is the tomb from with Christ rises, alive.

The very Christ who

where two or three are gathered in his love,

is among us.