Matthew 18:15 - “If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother.
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What does "Matthew 18:15" mean?
This verse, Matthew 18:15, outlines a specific process for dealing with conflict or sin within a close community, particularly within a brotherhood of faith. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"If your brother sins against you...": This establishes the scenario: a fellow member of your community (often understood as a fellow Christian, but applicable to any close-knit group) has wronged you in some way.
"...go, show him his fault between you and him alone...": This is the key action. Instead of gossiping, complaining to others, or seeking revenge, you are instructed to address the issue directly with the person who offended you. The emphasis on "between you and him alone" is crucial. It stresses privacy and discretion. The goal is reconciliation, not public shaming.
"...If he listens to you...": This acknowledges that the person might be receptive to correction. They might recognize their mistake and be willing to make amends. "Listens" implies not just hearing, but also understanding, acknowledging, and repenting (if appropriate).
"...you have gained back your brother.": This is the desired outcome. By addressing the issue privately and allowing the person to acknowledge their fault and potentially apologize or make amends, the relationship is restored. You have "gained back" your brother – not just in the sense of preventing a permanent rift, but also in strengthening the bond through honest communication and forgiveness. It highlights that reconciliation is a form of "gain" or blessing.
In essence, Matthew 18:15 advocates for:
Direct Communication: Addressing issues head-on, rather than allowing them to fester or spread.
Privacy: Dealing with the matter discreetly to protect the offender's dignity and prevent unnecessary drama.
Reconciliation: The primary goal is to restore the relationship and maintain unity within the community.
Forgiveness and Understanding: It assumes the possibility of genuine repentance and the importance of extending forgiveness.
This verse emphasizes personal responsibility in conflict resolution and the importance of prioritizing relationships within a community. It's a guide for fostering understanding and maintaining harmony through direct, private communication and a willingness to forgive.
Matthew 18:15 - “If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother.
What does "Matthew 18:15" mean?
This verse, Matthew 18:15, outlines a specific process for dealing with conflict or sin within a close community, particularly within a brotherhood of faith. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"If your brother sins against you...": This establishes the scenario: a fellow member of your community (often understood as a fellow Christian, but applicable to any close-knit group) has wronged you in some way.
"...go, show him his fault between you and him alone...": This is the key action. Instead of gossiping, complaining to others, or seeking revenge, you are instructed to address the issue directly with the person who offended you. The emphasis on "between you and him alone" is crucial. It stresses privacy and discretion. The goal is reconciliation, not public shaming.
"...If he listens to you...": This acknowledges that the person might be receptive to correction. They might recognize their mistake and be willing to make amends. "Listens" implies not just hearing, but also understanding, acknowledging, and repenting (if appropriate).
"...you have gained back your brother.": This is the desired outcome. By addressing the issue privately and allowing the person to acknowledge their fault and potentially apologize or make amends, the relationship is restored. You have "gained back" your brother – not just in the sense of preventing a permanent rift, but also in strengthening the bond through honest communication and forgiveness. It highlights that reconciliation is a form of "gain" or blessing.
In essence, Matthew 18:15 advocates for:
Direct Communication: Addressing issues head-on, rather than allowing them to fester or spread.
Privacy: Dealing with the matter discreetly to protect the offender's dignity and prevent unnecessary drama.
Reconciliation: The primary goal is to restore the relationship and maintain unity within the community.
Forgiveness and Understanding: It assumes the possibility of genuine repentance and the importance of extending forgiveness.
This verse emphasizes personal responsibility in conflict resolution and the importance of prioritizing relationships within a community. It's a guide for fostering understanding and maintaining harmony through direct, private communication and a willingness to forgive.