In Matthew 18:15 17 (NLT)...

... “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.  But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.”  

So what was the context of these verses that Jesus was talking about?  Jesus had just given the parable of the lost sheep and how we leave the 99 to find the one: He says: Matthew 18:14 (NLT) “In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.” Jesus was concerned that the two spoken of, work out their differences. He points out the need and the purpose of these verses is for there to be reconciliation and healing of the relationship...you talk about challenging your leadership skills.

1. Jesus says for there to be reconciliation there must be communication. Going to and communicating with the person directly will cut through the bull (believing unbelievable little lies) and help to resolve the situation.

2. Jesus says for there to be reconciliation there must be cooperation. If we truly gather in His Name, there should be no divisions among us and there should be a willingness and cooperation to resolve things quickly.  This is the sign of a true Christian leader.

3. Jesus says for there to be reconciliation there must be restoration.  The goal of these verses is for there to be restoration...restoration with the boss and the employee, restoration with the husband and wife, restoration of pastor and church member. True Christian leadership strives toward unity and restoration and the different translations say it this way: you have gained your brother...you have won that person back...you've made a friend. Life Church, be biblical in your relationships and be restored.