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go to Christians Who Offend You
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” Matthew 18: 15 (NIV)[/perfectpullquote]“Tattle tale, tattle tale, hang your britches on a nail” How many times growing up, have you heard that. Maybe you’re even guilty of defending yourself to your parent, by trying to place the blame somewhere else? No one likes a tattle tale.
And who enjoys “confrontation” I think next to dying, it’s next on the list of fears people dislike. It’s never been a strong suit of mine, and when it’s done, all types of emotions raise to the surface. It’s very difficult to point out issues of another, when they are directed at you.
Like it or not, it’s exactly what Jesus tells us to do, “if a brother sins against you.” Paul, in Galatians 6:1 provides the following admonition: “Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person.” “Spiritual”, this does not refer to an elite class of Christians, but rather to those who have more maturity and experience in the Christian life, and who are therefore in a position to help their beleaguered brother or sister.” (ESV Study Bible) Both are to be accomplished in private. The goal is to keep the circle as small as possible. After all, who wants their dirty laundry spread around the church?
In Proverbs 25:9, we read: “Argue your case with your neighbor, and do not reveal the secret of another.” (NASB) The message is the same, keep the nature of sin, between the two. Don’t go to another for advice, directly go to the person, keeping gossip from spreading. I remember during our communion services at the church I attended, our Pastor would encourage us, that if you had an issue with another member, go straight to them and make amends before partaking in communion.
The ultimate goal of this private conversation is restoration of the brother. We are to build each other up in the faith, (Ephesians 4: 29-32). We must zealously guard and protect the character of fellow believers, both for their good and for the glory of Christ.
Have you sinned against a brother or sister? Has a brother or sister sinned against you? We know, there are no perfect people! Festering does no one any good. Invite a brother to lunch, or coffee. Resolve the issue, Jesus said so!
– Tom Dye
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