Love not Change or Judge II

Just to add on a few things I learnt from Ps Koo's 1 Corinthians SOD class.

The Bible teaches us to judge people's actions but not their intentions. In other words, if you see Christians sinning openly, don't just read Matthew 7 and say that you have no business judging them. Look what 1 Cor 5:3 says:
"Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present."

Paul is saying that even though he is not in Corinth, he has already based his judgment on what he has heard from trustworthy sources.

So when we witness a sin first-hand, it is our duty to remind the sinner of his sin. If we find out about it from hearsay, please make the effort to corroborate this account with the person first before passing judgment, lest we become perpetuators of rumours and slander.

What then if ther person refuses to repent?
Paul asks mockingly in 1 Cor 6:5:
"I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?"

He is saying that we should refrain from involving ungodly mediators e.g. outside friends, the justice system, etc. to resolve our differences. Instead, we should do as Matthew 18:15-17 says:
"15"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."

Here, we have a SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for intervention, each step more serious than the previous. Notice we should not escalate the whole thing by gossiping about it to people. We should instead settle it one-to-one. Failing which, we bring a few godly witnesses, which should include your leader to analyse the problem. If this fails to settle the issue, then Pastor will come into the
picture. If this perosn refuses to listen to the Church, then Pastor will decide the consequences. People have been allowed to leave the church before in situations like these due to their obstinacy.

Take note that this applies to you as well, as you could be in the wrong as well. Let's be open to godly counsel and humble when we are in the wrong.