Read through the Bible in 2 years: Psalm 71, Matthew 18

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. 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. 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.

Matthew 18:14-17 ESV

Yesterday we looked at not causing someone else to stumble or sin. Today let’s look at what to do when someone else sins against us.

I had someone ask me how to handle a conflict she was having with a sister serving in her church’s children’s ministry. I’ve copyied my answer here in hopes that it will help you, too!

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When a sister in Christ has hurt you, you should approach her with gentleness, humility, and love. Begin by speaking words of genuine encouragement, such as, “I’m so thankful for your service to our children. I appreciate you teaching the children to sing and worship. I want us to work together in a spirit of unity and love.”

Examine your own heart and motives. Look for the log in your own eye. We often notice pride in others more easily than we see it in our own hearts.

Remember, love thinks the best of the other person. Don’t assume that her motives are wrong.

Finally, sometimes the women that I’m serving with are eager to speak words of complaint or criticism, but slow to offer help. I love it when people come to me with offers to help! Try that first.

Here are some other passages you can read to prepare for a difficult discussion with a brother or sister.

Leviticus 19:17-18
Proverbs 27:5-6
Colossians 3:12-17
1 Corinthians 13:1-8a
Ephesians 4:29-32

I highly recommend Ken Sande’s book, The Peacemaker. Here’s a link to a bunch of wonderful downloads from his Peacemaker Ministries and Relational Wisdom

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Heavenly Father,

You are perfect in all Your ways. You have never sinned, and You never will. But people do, Lord. We do sin, and we need forgiveness – from You and from others.

Help us to be quick to listen and slow to anger. Keep us from pride. Make us patient and faithful. Give us discernment to see the log in our own eyes.

We know that You desire unity within Your body, so give us the strength and wisdom we need to reconcile with our brothers. For Your glory and our good we pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace. Amen.