Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 18:15-20

"And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he hear [thee] not, take with thee one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established. And if he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the church: and if he refuse to hear the church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile and the publican. Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." — Matthew 18:15-20 (ASV)

If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain about it to others, as is often done based merely on reports, but should go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his conduct. This would generally have the desired effect with a true Christian, and the parties would be reconciled.

The principles of these rules may be practiced everywhere and under all circumstances, though they are too often neglected by everyone. But how few try the method which Christ has expressly enjoined upon all his disciples!

In all our proceedings, we should seek direction in prayer; we cannot prize the promises of God too highly. Wherever and whenever we meet in the name of Christ, we should consider him as present in our midst.