Matthew 18:15-17

Matthew 18:15-17 (ESV) “15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”

Unity in the body requires confrontation at times. If someone is sinning against you, Jesus tells us to confront the sinner with the goal of reconciliation.

Jesus speaks to the inevitable reality of one Christian sinning against another. It happens. So what then? Jesus says the person who has been sinned against must confront their brother privately. If he doesn’t repent, then take one or two witnesses to establish the allegation as fact. If he still doesn’t repent, take him before the church. And if he refuses to repent even then, treat him like an unbeliever. This is the process for reconciliation and unity. Amen?

How do you respond when someone sins against you? Do you avoid them? Hold grudges against them? Do you gossip to everyone else about them? You should confront them! Sin corrupts not just the individual, but the whole body. It must be addressed for the sake of the sinner and for the health of the church. Follow the process, Christian. It is godly to do so. Amen?

Father, help us never overlook the sin of a brother. Help us respond in love with the hope of reconciliation. Keep us unified for Your glory, we pray in Jesus’ name, amen.