Christian judgment.
From dealing with the offended, our Lord here passes on to the offending, and he shows us how we should deal with a guilty brother, for our own sake, for his sake, for the sake of the Church, and ultimately for the sake of the world. Christian judgment should be faithful, loving, spiritual.
I. FAITHFUL.
1. The Christian will tell his brother his fault.
2. He will tell it him before witnesses.
3. He will tell it to the Church. This when the minor means have been tried and failed.
II. LOVING.
1. Love's reason for telling a brother his fault is to gain him.
2. Love's reason for calling witnesses is still to gain the brother.
3. Love also has reasons for then telling it to the Church.
III. SPIRITUAL.
1. It recognizes the presence of God.
2. It recognizes his ratification.