Presence

For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

Matthew 18:20 (NLT)

Taken in isolation, this seems a nice verse. In the context it's rather uncomfortable. Contextually, Jesus is talking about confronting sin.

If we're to confront sin, we're to start off one to one. If that doesn't work we're to take along one or two others. If that doesn't work it has to be taken to the whole church. If that doesn't work, it's excommunication.

Excommunication sounds like something out of a horror film or a cult or something. Basically though, if someone claims to follow Jesus, they have to live like it. If not, they have to be kicked out of the community of faith.

Even excommunication doesn't have to be final. It's more like a marital separation than a divorce. The aim is for restoration: the excommunicated person will hopefully be shamed into repenting and seeking to be restored to fellowship.

'Lord God Almighty, we thank You for Your presence, even when it seems uncomfortable. Please help us to live wholeheartedly for You, and not to be duplicitous and hypocritical. For the honour of Your name, amen'

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