Funny that you’d start with that particularly excellent quote, which was/is the rallying cry of the ‘Restoration Movement’/ (Not Luther & the Reformation, but Campbell and the Restoration Movement) of which my heart, and the particular congregation I attend, is a part. Restoring New Testament Faith & Practice.

Rom 14 is Perfect on this topic I will read it again & again until I get it!

RE Matthew 18:15ff . . . it grows from real love and openess, but you’re right it’s the hardest thing God hopes we never have to do. Well actually, if we’d do a lot more of steps 1 & 2, situations would rarely get to the point of step 3.
IF we do, pray it works like it did in Corinth in the 1st century!

Another excellent revelation God gave us on this subject is:
2 Timothy 3:16 & 17 “All scripture is God-Breathed and is profitable for . . .” 4 things:
1. Teaching- show the way to really be Christians
2. Reproof- Showing us when we’re off the path.
3. Correcting- Showing us how to get back.
4. Training in Righteousness- Teaching us how to do a better and better job of being like Jesus and staying on the path to the abundant life He gives!

I think the bible tells us to do both. Colossians 3:13 tells us to “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Also see Ephesians 4:2

Romans 14 shows how we should allow others to live by their convictions, even if we do not have the same conviction.

On the other hand Colossians 3:16 tells us “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Some people look at the word admonish, and believe it is confrontational. Checking my dictionary, it really isn’t confrontational. It is reminding one of their obligations, or encouraging them.

I think the key is to be absolutely tolorant of others. Use your life to be an encouragement, and point everybody around you toward Christ.

Now I gotta figure out when Matthew 18:15-17 applies…