³ So watch yourselves!

“If another believer^[a] sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.

Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor

²¹ Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone^[a] who sins against me? Seven times?”

¹⁷ “Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives.^[a] Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin.

Correcting Another Believer

¹⁵ “If another believer^[a] sins against you,^[b] go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. ¹⁶ 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. ¹⁷ 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.

⁶ and he said to them, “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case. ⁷ Fear the Lord and judge with integrity, for the Lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.”

Living by the Spirit’s Power

¹⁵ So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.

⁸ Watch out that you do not lose what we^[a] have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward.