Persistent Prayer and Principles of Discernment

In the preceding verses Jesus calls his disciples to judge others in knowing whether they are a brother in need of help in their sanctification, or a "hog or dog" unworthy of continued ministry. But how can we know which is which? When do we turn from those who attack the gospel? The answer is found when we ask, seek and knock, persistently seeking God's leading. He promises to grant it to us as our loving heavenly Father. And Jesus hinges the sermon on a principle, namely, "The Golden Rule."