Matthew 18:15

“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”

Matthew 18:15 (KJV) says:

“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”

This verse is a part of a larger section in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus is teaching His disciples about various aspects of the kingdom of heaven and the principles of Christian living. In Matthew 18, Jesus addresses the importance of humility, forgiveness, and reconciliation within the community of believers.

Let’s break down the verse into different components:

“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee”:This phrase refers to a situation where a fellow believer (referred to as “brother”) has committed an offence or wrong against another person within the Christian community. It emphasises the importance of addressing conflicts and sins within the body of believers rather than ignoring or letting them fester.

“Go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone”:Jesus instructs the offended person to take the initiative and approach the one who has committed the offence. The preferred method is a private conversation, where the focus is on resolving the issue and seeking reconciliation. This approach promotes understanding and offers an opportunity for repentance and restoration.

“If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother”:The purpose of confronting the offender is not merely to vent or seek revenge, but to bring about restoration and healing. When the person who committed the offence listens and acknowledges their wrongdoing, it opens the door for reconciliation. By gaining the offender as a brother, it means restoring the relationship and reestablishing unity within the Christian community.

This verse underscores the importance of addressing conflicts in a loving and compassionate manner, seeking restoration and unity within the body of believers. It encourages direct communication and personal responsibility in resolving issues, rather than spreading gossip or harbouring bitterness. This approach aligns with Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness, reconciliation, and the pursuit of peace within the community of believers.

It is essential to note that this verse primarily applies to interpersonal conflicts within the Christian community. For more severe offences or situations where resolution cannot be reached through private conversation, further steps outlined by Jesus in the subsequent verses of Matthew 18 can be followed, including involving additional witnesses and, if necessary, the church leadership.

By studying and applying the principles of Matthew 18:15, believers can foster an environment of forgiveness, understanding, and reconciliation, leading to stronger relationships and a more harmonious community of faith.