In this passage, Jesus provides us with a manual for dealing with conflict, and He’s clear that the goal should always be restoration. Division can tear a com- munity apart, even a community of faith; and, before you know it, people give up on the faith and walk away. We have been talking about how God values each individual soul. If we are to be like Him, then we should put a huge value on straying sheep. We should seek to restore such people to the body of Christ, doing what we can to forgive, heal, and reconcile. It’s so easy to get this wrong when someone refuses to participate in resto- ration, but condemning, passing judgment, and giving up on them isn’t the answer. Jesus still loved people when their lives were messy. He continued to invite them in, continued to be with them. They may not have been in His inner circle, but they mattered to Him. Remember, we will all stray at some point. We need to think about how we would want someone to approach us in our weaker moments, when we’re feeling defensive and far away from God. How would you want to be brought back to Christ? Keep that in mind when the next sheep goes astray.

Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:

When someone has done something wrong, do you usually approach them with a mindset of restoration or one of condemnation?

Why do you think you approach them in that way?

Does anything about your method of conflict resolution need to change? How can your attitudes, words, and actions be more Christlike when you talk with someone about a weakness or a failing?