WEEKEND LITURGY

EZEKIEL 33:7-9     PSALM 95     ROMANS 13:8-10     MATTHEW 18:15-20

All reading today have to do with interpersonal relationships - relationships between people.  There are lessons here about how to solve problems between people.  It is great advice.

First we have two people who have a conflict in business or some other dealings.  The first rule is to talk it out just between the two of you.  Don't make your problems public. If you cannot solve your problem this way, bring together only a few people who are familiar with the situation to help find an answer.   If this does not work, go to the community - make it public.  If you still can't reconcile your problem with another person, forget them - turn away from them - treat them as you would a stranger.

There is also a lesson about how to act between friends.  If your friend is doing something wrong, it is your duty to tell them - to try and dissuade them from doing it.    Don't just ignore it.  If you ignore the situation, you, too, are responsible.  If your friend continues to act wrongly after you have warned them, you have done your duty.  It is totally on them.

The summation of all this is the same that Jesus taught in other cases.  If you go by this overriding standard, you will be right:  Love your neighbor as yourself.  Acting out of love, is always the answer.
🕇