How Jesus corrects someone

How often have you heard your parents say, "I'm going to count to ten"? You know that when they get to eight or nine, you'd better do what you're supposed to " or you'll be in big trouble!

In this week's Gospel (Matthew 18:15-20), Jesus "counts to ten." He gives His disciples steps to follow when they argue with someone. And just like your parents hope you listen before they count to ten, Jesus hopes His followers never have to get to that last step.

"If a friend hurts you," Jesus said, "talk to him about it alone. If that doesn't work, tell someone else. If he won't listen, tell the church; and if he still won't pay attention, ignore him like a stranger. Pray together and God will listen, because wherever people gather in my name, I'm with them."

When you're doing something you shouldn't and Mom or Dad says, "I'm counting to ten," it's tempting to wait until they're almost done counting before you listen. Jesus' steps are like your parents' counting. Parents usually don't punish you before giving you a chance to change, and Jesus asked us to give those who hurt us a chance, before we stop being friends.

"One, two, three...." If you act up, your parents tell you to stop first. Jesus asked us to first talk alone to anyone who hurts us.

"Four, five, six...." If you don't listen, your parents might scold you in front of everyone. Jesus said that if talking to someone doesn't work, ask another person to talk to them, too.

"Seven, eight, nine...." When you're about to get in trouble, your parents count to ten, and it's your last chance to stop. Jesus' "last chance" was to ask the Church for help to stop an argument.

"Ten!" Sometimes, people don't listen. Your parents count to ten, and you get in trouble. Jesus said that if someone keeps hurting you, leave them alone. People who do that aren't your friends.

After He gave His steps, Jesus told people to pray. Parents pray for you to be good " and you can do that, too. Just because you count to ten doesn't mean you stop hoping someone will change!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, teach me to do your steps when someone hurts me " and never let anyone count to ten about me! Amen.

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