“More Mercy”

Matthew 18: 17: “And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax-gatherer.” Never use this verse as an excuse to reject and despise people. Stop and think: How did Jesus treat Gentiles and tax-collectors? What is the context of this verse? First seeking the lost (vv. 11-14), then prayer (vv. 18-20), then forgiveness (vv. 21-35). Let us never stop loving any brother, offensive or not.