Praying from Matthew 18:17. Themes: Discipline, Forgiveness, Reconciliation.
Dear Lord, we pray for those who refuse to listen to wise counsel and guidance. May they be open to hearing the truth and willing to make positive changes in their lives. If they continue to resist, we ask that you guide us in bringing the matter before the assembly. And if they still refuse to listen, help us to treat them with love and grace, as we would a Gentile or a tax collector. May we always seek to show your love and mercy to all, even those who may be difficult to love. Amen.
Verse: If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector.
Matthew 18:17
This is a Command. The verse commands the reader to tell the matter to the assembly if someone refuses to listen, and if they still refuse to hear the assembly, to treat them as a Gentile or a tax collector.