How Do I Confront Sin in Others? | Matthew 18:15-17
Matthew 18:15-17
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.
Confronting sin in others is so important that Jesus gives us a step-by-step process. Let’s take a few days this week to consider each step.
Confronting Others: Step 1
Too often a person’s sin is entered into a string of e-mails or shows up on a social media site. Without full knowledge of the situation, the rumors fly. That is not the plan that Jesus had in mind.
If a person sins and I see it, learn of it or it is against me, I am to go to that person and share what I have seen or heard. I am to point out the person’s fault one-on-one. This is to take place prior to any conversations with others about the situation. If the person listens, acknowledges the sin and repents, Jesus said, “you have won them over.” You have demonstrated your love and care. The sin is addressed without anyone else involved.
This is the first step in confronting the sin of others. It is to be done lovingly, gently and humbly. If it stops there, everybody wins, but if the person refuses to listen there is another step. We’ll consider that tomorrow.
Father, sin has consequences that damage sinners and those around them. Give us the courage to confront sin your way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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