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)

Context

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples as part of a larger discourse on life in the kingdom of heaven. In this discourse, He teaches about humility, forgiveness, and the care of believers for one another. The immediate context includes a warning not to despise “one of these little ones” and the parable of the lost sheep, which shows God’s concern for every individual and the joy of restoration.

Meaning

The verse begins with a situation where a fellow believer, called a “brother,” has committed an offence against another person in the Christian community. Jesus does not tell the offended person to ignore the wrong or to let resentment grow. Instead, He gives a clear instruction: “go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone.” The Greek word used here, elegchō, means to reprove, convict, or show someone their fault. The conversation is to be private, one-on-one, and focused on the issue itself, not on spreading the matter to others.

The goal of this confrontation is not punishment or revenge. Jesus says, “If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” To “gain” a brother means to restore the relationship and to win back a fellow believer to fellowship and unity. The desired outcome is reconciliation, not merely winning an argument. This approach gives the offender an opportunity to repent and be restored, and it protects the unity of the body of Christ.

Application

Believers are called to take the initiative in addressing conflicts, but to do so with love and humility. The instruction to go privately first challenges the common tendencies to gossip, to avoid confrontation, or to harbour bitterness. Direct communication and personal responsibility are essential for resolving issues within the church. This verse primarily applies to interpersonal conflicts among believers, and it encourages a spirit of gentleness and a genuine desire for the other person’s good.

Reflection

Consider how you respond when someone wrongs you. Do you seek to win the argument, or do you seek to gain your brother? Jesus calls us to pursue restoration with the same care and compassion that He shows toward each of us. When we obey this command, we reflect the heart of God, who desires unity and peace among His people.