227th Post Jesus on Reproof and Forgiveness Con't - Matthew 18: 15 - 17

Matthew 18: 15 - 17; Luke 17:3
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. 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." 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.
This was spoken by Jesus toward the end of His earthly Ministry on earth. This passage is very serious and should only be used as a last resort. Look at the last line of this passage, let them be like a heathen or tax collector. This means that if it ends badly ex-communication is the only road to use in this case. Before even starting this process, you must see about the fault, is it bad enough to ex-communicate over? If the answer is no, than this passage should not be used. Jesus was using examples of extremes to make His point. The point of Chapter 18 is reconciliation not casting out. Read the whole chapter, Jesus says it is better for you to cut off a part of your body than to lose the whole body in hell. A Church must remember that when they use this verse, they are also part of the test. God will hold the Church accountable for casting out one who was not to be cast out! "To whom much is given much is required!"