“Jesus,” I said, “I can’t stand that man. He lies to me. He lies about me. I can’t stand him.”
Jesus nodded and said, “Jeff, I understand your frustrations and sympathize with your hurt. I know the pain of calumny.”
“Yes, Lord, I’m sure you do. But this guy is the worst. I want nothing to do with him, anymore.”
“Jeff, if someone wrongs you, you should go and have it out with him – privately. Alone. Between the two of you.”
“Yes. Jesus,” I said. “I have gone to him alone and asked him to stop. But he continues. Can’t I just dislike him?”
“If he hasn’t listened to you, then you should take one or two others with you to speak to him. Everything should have a witness, two or three witnesses would be even better.”
“Jesus! Yes. Yes. I’ve done this Jesus. But he still lies about me. He’s never going to change. He’s just an evil, terrible person.”
“Well then, Jeff,” Jesus put his hand on my shoulder. “If you’ve talked to him alone, and if you’ve tried again in the presence of witnesses, then bring your concerns to the community.”
“What then, Jesus?” I asked, impatient now. “What should I do if he refuses to listen to the church?”
“Then, finally, you may treat him as a gentile or a tax collector.”
“Then I can hate him and shun him?” I asked.
“No! Good God, no!” Jesus snapped. “Don’t you remember how I treated Zacchaeus and the Roman Centurion?”
Matthew 18: 15 - 18
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