The Church's Method In Seeking The Lost Sheep

In the passage just before this, Jesus lays out the philosophy of seeking a lost sheep; i.e. a child of God who has gone astray into sin or doctrinal error. It is the Father's love which moves Him to send the Son and command the angels to bring about our salvation. Therefore, if our Father loves recovering the lost sheep, so we (the church) should be about the same business. Our passage shows the practical steps the church takes in this matter. We are not to be harsh, nor quick, nor indiscriminate in the way we deal with those who have strayed. Rather, we are to seek to recover our brother or sister, patiently working with them for their good.