June 22, 2026
Scripture – ““If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
Matthew 18:15-17 NIV
Observation – Jesus says that if a brother or sister in Christ has sinned we have the obligation to go them and point out their fault. If they listen we have won them over, if they don’t he provides the next steps for us.
Application – Jesus provides this prescription for us so that our brother and sister can be restored and so that we have an opportunity to forgive them. It is a big deal to sit down with someone and point out their fault. Before you actually do this you are going to think about what happened and consider the consequences of the conversation. You may decide to overlook the sin or spend time with God asking him what you should do. If you go forward with the conversation the goal is restoration for the benefit of everyone involved. What you can’t do is harbor bitterness or gossip about the person. Next time this happens spend time with the Lord and then obey his leading.
Prayer – Lord you desire to forgive us and for us to forgive others. Give us a heart for unity and restoration. Amen.
What are you doing? Do it better 